Centaurea cineraria

Dusty miller is an herbaceous sub-shrub in the Asteraceae (aster) family and native to the Mediterranean region. It is hardy in zones 8 to 10 and can be grown as an annual or perennial. It is grown for its dense, downy, gray-green foliage rather than the yellow thistle-like flowers that are usually trimmed to promote foliage growth. 

Dusty miller prefers moist, well-drained, moderately rich soils in full sun. It will tolerate poor soils and partial shade but can become leggy. It is drought tolerant when established, has few pests, and is not favored by deer.

The plant can be grown from seed or cuttings. In the summer, take tip cuttings from semi-hard wood. They will last past the first frost, but will die back to the crowns when temperatures are below freezing for long periods of time. Dead foliage should be cut back. New growth will emerge in late spring. 

The leaves are covered with fine matted hairs on both sides, giving them a felt-like or woolly appearance in silver or white. When wet, the white color fades and the green of the leaf is visible. The white color in the leaf is not as intense when grown in the shade. 

Use dusty miller in a container, as an edging plant along sidewalks, for accent, or on slopes. The leaves reflect moonlight, making it a welcome addition to a nighttime garden, as well as a cottage or drought-tolerant garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.