Kleinia neriifolia

RHS Plant Profile
carnation tree

Synonyms

Senecio neriifolius
Senecio kleinia

Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A succulent perennial, that can reach up to 3m in its native habitat, though is usually much smaller in cultivation. Thick, branching, articulated stems are pale greyish green with fine reddish purple lines, and linear to lance-shaped grey-green leaves cluster in spirals at the stem tips. Clusters of small, scented, white or yellow flowers are produced in summer or autumn, followed by fluffy seed heads

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Kleinia are succulent perennials with prostrate or upright, cylindrical or angular stems bearing fleshy, flat or cylindrical leaves and solitary or clustered, thistle-like flowerheads in summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Canary Is

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a free-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with extra grit, in full light and with good ventilation. Water moderately when in growth. Containers may be placed outdoors in summer but plants will not tolerate frost. Plants may lose leaves in summer, this is an adaptation to limit water loss in the dry season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown at 13 - 18°C as soon as ripe, or by cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free