Silver Fountain Dusty Miller

Silver Fountain Dusty Miller (Centaurea cineraria 'Silver Fountain') is a bold silver foliage plant, 1m to 1.5m tall and wide, that grows in broad, arching clumps of finely cut leaves that feel like suede. In spring and summer it carries tufty purple flowers, a little like its cornflower relatives, which bees and butterflies visit. It is far larger than the common dusty miller sold as bedding, and it grows quickly.

Why you'll love it

• Silver all year. The deeply cut silver-grey leaves hold their colour through the seasons and make a cool backdrop for greens, purples and pinks.
• A big, soft presence. The arching clumps build a fountain shape that gives a border structure and invites a touch.
• Flowers that bees love. Purple pompom-like flowers appear in spring and summer and draw bees and butterflies.
• Easy care. Once settled it asks for little more than a tidy-up of dead leaves at the end of autumn.
• Suits dry gardens. It enjoys drier climates and sunny, free-draining spots, so it fits waterwise planting.

Where it works best

Cottage gardens and flower borders. Plant 1m apart for a close silver drift, or 1.5m apart if you want each clump to show its fountain shape. Purple, pink and blue flowers look especially clear against the silver.

Wildlife friendly gardens. The flowers feed bees and butterflies, so it earns a place in a pollinator planting.

Dry, sunny positions. Use it on a hot bank, in a gravel garden or on a sunny verge where green foliage would struggle. Alkaline, sandy soils suit it well.

Growing Silver Fountain Dusty Miller in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and a dry climate suit it best. It is frost tolerant in sheltered locations, so in frosty districts plant it against a warm wall or fence. In humid or wet summer regions silver foliage can turn patchy, so choose the sunniest, best drained spot with good airflow.

Soil. Alkaline, sandy or loamy soil that drains freely. Heavy, wet clay is the main risk, so build up a mound or choose another spot.

Water and feed. Water until the plant is established, then water only in prolonged dry spells. Too much water or rich feeding makes soft growth.

Pruning. Little care is needed. Remove dead leaves at the end of autumn to improve appearance and plant health.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silver Fountain Dusty Miller as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It starts small but grows fast, and a tube is an economical way to fill a bed with a drift of silver.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Drought tolerant plants
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden

Common questions

How big does Silver Fountain Dusty Miller get?

It reaches 1m to 1.5m tall and wide, much larger than the species form. Give it room to arch.

Is it the same as the small bedding dusty miller?

It is a larger selection with the same silver foliage idea. Silver Fountain forms wide, arching clumps and is much bigger than the species form.

Will it cope with humidity?

It prefers drier climates. In humid regions, plant it in full sun, in free-draining soil with good airflow.

Can it take frost?

It is frost tolerant in sheltered locations. In colder gardens, plant it in a protected spot such as against a wall.