Blue Chalksticks, Blue Senecio, Blue Straws, Dassieharpuis, Narrow-leaf Chalk Sticks, Blue Finger, Blue Stick Succulent

Native to South Africa, this low maintenance succulent thrives in the hillside gardens of Woodland Hills. Its uniquely shaped fleshy leaves range from blue-grey to blue-green. In summer, the plant produces pale-yellow flower heads. Uncommonly, this evergreen perennial is a winter grower and can reach one foot tall and spread up to two feet wide.

Senecio is an eccentric succulent that adds zing to Mediterranean gardens. The shape and color of its peculiar foliage stand out in the landscape and make a delightful complement to other flower arrangements in rock gardens or containers. Moreover, Senecio’s dense growth habit makes the plant an unfailing ground cover.

Height: 1 foot
Width: 1 to 2 feet
Spacing: 1 to 2 feet

Soil: chalk, loam, sand, well-drained
pH: alkaline, neutral
Exposure: full to partial sun, sheltered from wind

Water: low
Tolerance: drought, xeriscapic
Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Speculated to be toxic to humans.

Wildlife: attracts butterflies

Cactus Jungle. (n.d.). Senecio mandraliscae. https://cactusjungle.com/plants/senecio-mandraliscae/

Gardenia. (n.d.). Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks). https://www.gardenia.net/plant/senecio-mandraliscae-blue-chalk-stick

iNaturalist. (n.d.). Senecio mandraliscae. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/494362-Senecio-mandraliscae

Plant Database. (n.d.). Blue Chalk Sticks (Curio talinoides var. mandraliscae). https://garden.org/plants/view/114394/Blue-Chalk-Sticks-Curio-talinoides-var-mandraliscae/

Shoot Limited. (n.d.). Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Finger). https://www.shootgardening.com/plants/senecio-mandraliscae