Senecio vitalis

narrow-leaf chalksticks
Fabulous, blue, upright, succulent shrub. Combines well with broader-leaved succulents. Tough and grows fast.
synonyms Senecio cylindricus
height 2–3ft
width 3–6ft
tolerates Drought, Deer , Pots, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Senecios are thrifty, low-water succulent plants that are very versatile. They should be watered when dry. Shriveling or dropping of older lower leaves is a sign of underwatering (or possibly too little light). Generally they’ll want water every two to three weeks during the dry season to keep looking their best, but will tolerate more water (especially during summer) given good drainage.

These upright forms are more drought tolerant than other low growing ground cover Senecios.
hardy
to		 25F
exposure Full Sun – Part Shade
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin E South Africa
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 13, 16, 17, 20–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Sends out branches from the base to create a dense shrub over time. If planted in multiples it will make a dense ground-cover shrub.
This succulent can be cut back hard, even within a foot of the ground, and will regrow with a bushier form. Alternatively, you can let your senecio grow a few leaves and then pinch back the tips to get a much bushier form without the scarring and setback of a yearly hard pruning.
Cuttings are easily rooted, even by just digging them into the ground and establishing a regular watering schedule ten days later.
Can grow in part sun, but the plant gets floppy, losing its desirable upright form.