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This is a stunning, grey-leafed plant with a profusion of scarlet flowers. It is ideal for hot, dry spots in the garden.
The plant grows to a height of about 600 mm and is ideal for planting in rockeries or other dry, sunny spots, as the scarlet flower heads add a splash of colour in mid-winter. The succulent leaves, which are an attractive grey/green with purpling on the underside, give the plant year-round appeal and add a pleasing contrast when planted amongst short grasses or spring flowering bulbs. The plant has a creeping, tuberous rootstock. Where it grows naturally, it is browsed by animals. Growing Kleinia fulgens
Seed: Sow fresh seed in seedtrays containing a very well-drained potting mixture such as 50% fine milled pine bark and 50% sharp sand. Cover the seed lightly and water carefully.
Leaf cuttings: mature leaves are removed from the parent plant using a sharp knife, allowed to dry for 2 to 3 days and planted in a container of sharp river sand. It is best to insert the leaf at an angle with about 1/3 in the rooting medium. Treat as for cuttings. It should take 6 to 8 weeks for a new plant to appear. References POOLEY, E. 1998. A field guide to the wild flowers of KwaZulu-Natal.
Natal Flora Publication Trust, Durban. Brian Tarr |
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The
coral senecio is a succulent which occurs in hot, dry areas of KwaZulu-Natal,
Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The genus is named after the German zoologist,
Dr Klein (1685-1759). The species name, fulgens, means shining
and refers to the vibrant, scarlet colour of the flowers.
Stem
cuttings: using a sharp knife, remove a section of mature stem.
This can be rooted as is or it can be cut up into 15 mm sections.
The pieces should be left to dry for 2 to 3 days before planting
. The cuttings are then placed in a container of sharp river sand
and kept in an airy, sunny position. Care must be taken not to over-water
the cuttings-they are best kept on the dry side. Repot when sufficient
roots have formed.
