Botanical Name: Pericallis x (Previously Cineraria x)
Height: 12″
Width: 12″
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
Performance: Annual
Bloom: Blue, Magenta, Bi-color Magenta, Bi-color Violet (March-April)
Glowing like Las Vegas lights, the high voltage daisy-like flowers of Pericallis are guaranteed to grab attention. It thrives in cool, frost free conditions, perfect for the “in-between” season of winter and spring. When almost everything else in the garden is dormant, Pericallis is the star of the show.
In north Texas, Pericallis is ephemeral with enticing cool season colors to awaken spring. In early spring, plant with caution knowing temperatures below 35° will be damaging. Mix and mingle the eye-catching flowers with bright orange calendula, white alyssum, mixed primula, trailing pansies, bright spring bulbs, colorful osteospermums, or midnight blue lobelia. Come April, Pericallis begins to fade as temperatures reach the mid 80’s. Dig them up to replenish with more heat-loving annuals for late spring or early summer color. Rich, moist, well drained soil is required along with indirect sun to bright shade.
Bred by Suntory Flowers in Japan, Senetti is a collection of Pericallis hybrids. In 2001, they were launched in Europe with sheer success. The cross breeding between members of the Compositae and Asteraceae families results in Pericallis Senetti, producing superior plants with early to mid spring color and a uniform shape.
The odds are in favor of hitting the jack pot with Senetti’s neon bright blue, magenta, and violet solid and bi-colored flowers!
