Senecio candidans Angel Wings ‘Senaw’ is a new, unusual and eye-catching evergreen perennial with huge silvery or grey-white leaves. The leaf texture is soft, downy, almost velvety and irresistible to touch. This plant is all about foliage – yellow flowers may be borne, but rarely.
Angel Wings ‘Senaw’ originates from the Patagonian region of Chile in South America, close to the coast. It’s therefore tolerant of salt winds and is ideal for coastal planting. Senecio Angel Wings ‘Senaw’ is moderately hardy, down to -5°C, but only suited to remaining outdoors all year in mild locations with good drainage and low rainfall. It’s ideal for growing in a pot, though, which can be easily moved under cover from autumn to spring. This plant can be short-lived, especially if given too much moisture.
The angel wings plant, also known by its botanical name Senecio candicans ‘Senaw’, is gaining popularity for its unique, eye-catching foliage. But its growth habit leaves many gardeners wondering – is angel wings an annual or a perennial? Let’s take a closer look at this unique plant.
What is Angel Wings Senecio?
Angel wings senecio is a variety of Senecio candicans which is native to South Africa. It’s a succulent subshrub that is noted for its rounded broad, silvery-grey leaves that have a velvety texture. The leaves fan outward in a distinctive angel wing shape.
Though angel wings senecio may produce small yellow flowers, it is grown primarily for its fabulous foliage. The leaves add unique texture and color contrast to gardens and containers.
Some key facts about angel wings senecio:
- Grows 10-16 inches tall and wide
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Tolerates heat, coastal conditions and drought once established
- Grows quickly, filling out pots and garden spaces
- Minimal pest or disease problems
Is Angel Wings Senecio an Annual or Perennial?
Angel wings senecio is technically a short-lived perennial in its native tropical climate. However when grown outside of USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, it is generally grown as an annual plant.
In zones 3-8 angel wings senecio cannot withstand freezing winter temperatures. If planted in the ground it will die back completely once frosts arrive. The same is true when grown in containers.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this sensational plant in cooler climates, though. You just have to treat angel wings as an annual and replant each year.
Here are some tips for growing angel wings senecio as an annual:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
- Harden off seedlings and transplant outside after danger of frost has passed.
- Plant in containers you can move indoors later. Repot into fresh soil each year.
- Buy transplants from garden centers in spring and enjoy them for one season.
- Take stem cuttings in late summer to propagate plants for winter indoor display. Discard after flowering.
- Treat as a fast-growing annual bedding plant and replace each year. Works great in succulent gardens.
- Overwinter tender plants like angel wings senecio indoors under grow lights or near a sunny window. Feed sparingly until spring.
How to Grow Angel Wings Senecio
Angel wings thrives in the same warm, sunny conditions preferred by many succulents and exotic plants. Here are the keys to success:
Sun
Provide at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Does best in hot, intense sunlight.
Soil
Very well-draining soil is essential. Amend garden beds with compost, sand or gravel to improve drainage. Use cactus mix in containers.
Water
Allow soil to dry between thorough waterings. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot.
Temperature
Does best in warmer zones and temperatures above 55°F. Protect from frost.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the active growing season. Dilute to half strength.
Pruning
Pinch back upright shoots to encourage bushiness. Remove spent flowers and damaged leaves to improve appearance.
Using Angel Wings in Gardens and Containers
Thanks to its unique, eye-catching foliage, angel wings senecio works beautifully as:
- A thriller plant in mixed succulent containers
- An accent plant among green foliage in garden beds
- A low border or edging along walkways
- Filler around the base of taller potted plants
- A striking color contrast to bright flowers like zinnias, marigolds and petunias
Angel wings pairs nicely with:
- Succulents like sedum, echeveria, kalanchoe and aloe
- Ornamental grasses
- Herbs like lavender, sage and thyme
- Annuals like impatiens, salvia and begonias
For maximum impact, repeat angel wings in clusters of 3, 5 or 7 pots. The unique foliage looks best in groupings.
Overwintering Angel Wings Senecio Indoors
In zones 3-8, you can overwinter angel wings senecio indoors as a houseplant. Here’s how:
- Take stem cuttings in late summer and root them in pots. Discard the parent plant.
- Place in a sunny south-facing window. Provide 12-14 hours of daily light.
- Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Maintain temperatures above 55°F. Cool windows can chill plants.
- Stop fertilizing after September so plants harden off for dormancy.
- Prune back leggy growth to keep plants full and compact.
- Transplant into fresh soil or containers in spring before moving back outside after the danger of frost.
With its striking silver foliage, angel wings senecio provides season-long interest in gardens and containers. Treat it as an annual or overwinter it indoors in colder climates. This exotic-looking plant is sure to add drama to your outdoor living spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angel Wings Senecio
Looking for more info about growing the eye-catching angel wings plant? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How fast does angel wings senecio grow?
Angel wings senecio grows quickly, filling out its mature size of 10-16 inches tall and wide within one growing season when started early indoors. It has a fast growth rate.
Does angel wings senecio bloom?
Yes, angel wings may produce small yellow flowers on short stalks in summer. However, its silvery velvet foliage is the real showstopper. The flowers are not particularly ornamental.
Is angel wings senecio poisonous to pets?
Angel wings is considered non-toxic to both dogs and cats according to the ASPCA. It can safely be grown around pets without concern for toxicity if ingested.
Does angel wings senecio spread invasively?
No, angel wings stays tidy and compact in its clumping form. It does not spread aggressively or self-seed readily under normal conditions. Reseeding is rare.
How do you propagate angel wings senecio?
Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in summer and root them in light, sandy soil. Keep warm and humid until new growth appears. Pot up the rooted cuttings to grow as new plants. Discard after flowering.
What USDA zone is angel wings senecio hardy to?
Angel wings senecio is hardy only in zones 9-11 and cannot withstand freezing temps. In zones 3-8 it behaves as a fast-growing annual plant or can be overwintered indoors as a houseplant.
With its exotic foliage that resembles flapping angel wings, this plant provides unique texture and contrast to gardens and containers. Add angel wings senecio to your garden this year and enjoy its distinctive look!
How to propagate Senecio Angel Wings
Take cuttings of young shoots in late summer. Divide established plants in early spring or early to autumn, taking care to separate sections so each one has plenty of roots and top growth.
How to grow Senecio Angel Wings
Grow in the ground or in a pot, on any reasonable free-draining soil, placed where the velvety foliage can be touched and appreciated. Protect from excess rain and hard frosts.