Care of the plant Pericallis x hybrida or Florist's Cineraria |
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The genus Pericallis, family Asteraceae, includes 15 species of herbaceous plants and shrubs native to Madeira and the Canary Islands. Some species are: Pericallis papyracea, Pericallis cruenta, Pericallis webbii, Pericallis aurita, Pericallis lanata. Common names: Florist's Cineraria, Cineraria, Common Ragwort. It is a hybrid between the species Pericallis cruenta and Pericallis lanata. Pericallis x hybrida is an annual herbaceous plant that branches out from the base and reaches 1 metre (3.28 feet) in height. The triangular leaves are dark green. The flowers, similar to daisies, can be orange, pink, white, blue or purple. It blooms in spring and usually dies in summer once flowering ends. Florist's Cineraria is used in pots as an indoor plant and on patios and terraces and in flowerbeds and borders. It is ideal for frost-free Mediterranean gardens. Pericallis x hybrida prefers semi-shade exposure, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day; in cooler summer climates it is grown in full sun exposure. The safe winter temperature is 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be normal garden soil with organic matter and coarse sand to improve drainage. Water regularly, waiting for the surface layer of the substrate to dry. Common Ragwort does not resist drought. Fertilize during spring every 15 days with mineral fertilizer. Wilted flowers can be pruned. Florist's Cineraria is resistant to common pests and diseases. Pericallis x hybrida is propagated from seeds sown in late summer. |
Images of the plant Pericallis x hybrida or Florist's Cineraria |
 Pericallis x hybrida  Pericallis x hybrida |