Superb Groundsel

Superb Groundsel (Senecio megaglossus) is a rare South Australian native that forms a loose, upright mound of waxy blue-green leaves about 80cm high and 40cm wide. Golden yellow daisies open in spring and give way to whiskered seedheads. It is highly endangered in the wild, and gardeners who grow it help keep it going.

Why you'll love it

• A plant with a conservation story. Wild plants became so few that each one was counted, and propagation work has since put thousands of plants back at the original site. Garden plants add to the safety net.
• Blue-green waxy foliage. The succulent-like leaves give a cool, silvery-green backdrop for the flowers and hold their colour through the year.
• Golden daisies in spring. Bright yellow flowers cover the mound, and the whiskered seedheads that follow add a second round of interest.
• Waterwise once mature. It is drought hardy when established and suited to dry climate gardens and poor soils.
• A tidy size. At 80cm by 40cm it fits a mixed bed or a native planting without taking over.

Where it works best

Waterwise and dry climate gardens. Pair it with silver, grey and blue-green plants for a cool-toned bed that asks for very little water. Plant 60cm apart so each loose mound has room and the drift reads as a group.

Native planting and revegetation. It is a natural for South Australian native plantings, bush blocks and wildlife-friendly gardens, where a rare local daisy adds interest and meaning.

Outback-style gardens and poor soils. Its dry country background suits gravel, clay and loam in sun, where richer garden plants would sulk.

Growing Superb Groundsel in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. This is a plant of dry inland South Australia, and it suits Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. Humid, wet-summer gardens on the east coast are the hardest test, so give it a raised or sloping spot with sharp drainage there.

Soil. It grows in clay or loamy soils. Good drainage still matters, so on heavy ground build a low mound and keep mulch away from the stems.

Water and feed. Water during dry periods while the plant is establishing. Once mature it is drought hardy and needs little help from you, and it does not need regular feeding.

Pruning. Tip prune lightly after the seedheads have finished to keep the mound compact. Avoid cutting hard into old bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Superb Groundsel as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plants are nursery propagated, so none are taken from the wild. Plant it into well drained soil in full sun and water until it is established.

Availability of the tube depends on our grower, and it is not always in stock. When the page shows it as sold out, use the notify button and we will email 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

• More Australian native shrubs
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• A guide to growing rare Australian natives
• Browse all Australian natives

Common questions

Is it really endangered?

Yes. It is highly endangered in South Australia, where very few wild sites remain. The plants we supply are nursery propagated, so buying one does not touch the wild plants.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 60cm apart. Each plant forms a loose mound about 40cm wide, and that spacing lets them touch lightly without crowding.

Is it safe for pets and livestock?

No. Senecios contain alkaloids that are toxic if eaten, so site it where pets and grazing animals cannot nibble it.