Senetti Pericallis × hybrida Senetti Deep Blue = 'Sunsenedibu' (PBR) (Senetti Series)
ABOUT
The Senetti Deep Blue, known formally by its cultivar name 'Sunsenedibu', is a strikingly beautiful plant that showcases vivid deep blue flowers which have a captivating visual appeal. The blossoms are large and daisy-like in shape, radiating lively color that is accentuated by a contrasting eye, often appearing in shades of darker blue or even purples. This central eye adds depth and dimension to the overall appearance of the plant. The Senetti's petals are plush and velvety to touch, each petal neatly arranged around the eye, creating a neat, symmetrical form. The foliage of the Senetti Deep Blue is a lush green, with leaves that provide a perfect backdrop to the brilliance of the flowers. Their texture tends to be slightly coarse, and they are often shaped oblong to spatulate, with edges that can be softly serrated. These rich green leaves form a dense canopy beneath the flowers, which contributes to the plant's bushy and full appearance. The Senetti Deep Blue is particularly celebrated for its generous blooming habit, often producing flowers in large clusters that cover the plant, making it a vibrant and showy addition to any space that needs a touch of bold color. The rich blue hues of the flowers define the plant's presence, ensuring it stands out wherever it is placed, be it among other plants or as a solo display.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Senetti Deep Blue, Cineraria, Florist's Cineraria, Common Ragwort.
Common names
Pericallis × hybrida Senetti Deep Blue = 'Sunsenedibu' (PBR) (Senetti Series).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Senetti is not known for being highly toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and keep plants away from small children who might ingest plant parts out of curiosity. In general, ingesting parts of ornamental plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, due to the various natural compounds they contain. If any part of the Senetti plant is ingested and symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
To pets
Senetti, while not listed as one of the most toxic plants to pets, can still cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Common symptoms in pets after ingesting part of the plant may include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. These symptoms are generally a result of irritation to the stomach or intestines. If a pet ingests Senetti and exhibits any distress or unusual behavior, contacting a veterinarian is recommended. It's always wise to keep ornamental plants out of reach of pets to prevent any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Deep Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive blooms: Senetti Deep Blue provides a vivid display with its deep blue flowers that can add a striking touch to gardens and landscapes.
- Long flowering period: This plant has a lengthy blooming period from early spring to late summer, providing extended color in the garden.
- Compact growth: With its compact growth habit, it is suitable for container gardening, hanging baskets, and small garden spaces.
- Cold tolerance: It can handle cooler temperatures better than many other bedding plants, allowing for earlier outdoor planting in spring.
- Rebloomer: After the first flush of blooms has faded, cutting back the plant can encourage a second wave of flowers.
- Easy to care for: Senetti Deep Blue is relatively low maintenance, requiring only basic watering, occasional feeding, and deadheading to maintain its appearance.
- Attracts pollinators: The bright flowers can attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Senetti are highly photogenic due to their bright, stunning blue flowers, making them a favorite subject for photographers and botanical artists looking to capture their captivating beauty.
- Themed Gardens: Senetti Deep Blue can be used in color-themed gardens to create a striking display of blue hues that can be very appealing for garden designers or homeowners looking for a specific color scheme.
- Educational Tool: These plants can be used to teach children or gardening beginners about plant care and the life cycle of perennials, as they are relatively easy to maintain and propagate.
- Container Gardening: Senetti Deep Blue can be grown in decorative containers or hanging baskets, which can add color to balconies, patios, or indoor settings.
- Aesthetic Enhancement for Aquascapes: Although not an aquatic plant, Senetti Deep Blue can be positioned near ponds or water features in the garden to enhance the aesthetic of aquatic landscapes.
- Crafts: The vibrant blue petals of Senetti can be used in flower crafts, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower arrangements.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Having Senetti in the home or office environment can help create a peaceful and colorful space which may aid in stress reduction and mindfulness practices.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to their small size and enchanting colors, Senetti Deep Blue can be incorporated into fairy gardens, delightful miniature gardens that fuel imagination for children and adults alike.
- Colorful Borders: Senetti can be planted in garden borders to provide a continuous bloom of color, helping to define the layout and pathways of gardens.
- Event Decorations: The vibrant blue flowers of Senetti can be used in flower arrangements for events and celebrations, bringing a pop of color to table settings, entryways, and more.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Senetti is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Senetti is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation and Change: The ability of Senetti to re-bloom multiple times during its growing season symbolizes renewal and the capacity to thrive through periods of change.
- Healing: With its vibrant deep blue blooms, the Senetti plant is often associated with healing properties and is believed to bring a sense of calm and therapeutic energy to spaces.
- Creativity: The rich, bright color of Senetti Deep Blue invokes a sense of creativity and inspiration, making it symbolic of artistic expression and innovation.
- Resilience: The Senetti plant is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand cooler temperatures, symbolizing strength and the ability to overcome adversity.
WaterSenetti plants like Pericallis × hybrida Senetti Deep Blue should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during warmer months. Typically, they should be watered once every week, but this may need to increase to twice per week in periods of drought or high temperatures. Water the plant thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot, which could be about half a gallon for a standard pot of 12 inches. Avoid letting the plant sit in water, as this can lead to root rot. During winter, reduce watering to every other week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
LightSenetti Deep Blue thrives in bright, indirect light and should be placed in a location that receives this type of light for most of the day. Direct sunlight can be tolerated but should not be constant as it can lead to scorching of the leaves. An east- or west-facing windowsill is an ideal spot, providing the right balance of light and shade needed for optimal growth.
TemperatureSenetti plants prefer cooler temperatures, thriving in a range of 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit as their ideal temperature condition. They can withstand short periods of colder temps down to 32 degrees, but frost can be damaging. They also tolerate higher temperatures but will struggle if consistently above 75 degrees. Keeping Senetti Deep Blue in a cool spot with good air circulation can help prolong blooming.
PruningPruning Senetti Deep Blue is essential to promote bushy growth and more profuse flowering. Snip off any spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new blooms. After the first wave of blooming, cut back the entire plant by about half to stimulate a second flush of flowers. This is generally done mid-season. Regularly deadheading the Senetti will also maintain a tidy appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Senetti plant should be rich in organic matter with good drainage. A mix of one part peat, one part pine bark, and one part perlite or vermiculite can work well. The recommended soil pH for Senettis should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingSenetti plants should be repotted every one to two years, usually in the late winter or early spring before the onset of the growth season. Use fresh potting mix and a slightly larger pot to encourage new growth.
Humidity & MistingSenetti plants thrive best in moderate to high humidity levels. Aim to maintain around 50-60% relative humidity around the plant for optimal growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place the Senetti in bright, indirect light and keep it away from drafts.
Outdoor
Position the Senetti in partial shade and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cyclePericallis × hybrida Senetti Deep Blue, commonly known as Senetti, begins its life cycle from a seed or more commonly from cuttings due to its hybrid nature. The cuttings are rooted in a suitable growing medium before being transplanted to pots or garden beds. The young plants go through a vegetative growth phase, where they develop a rosette of leaves and progressively increase in size and foliage density. Following the vegetative stage, the Senetti enters the flowering phase, producing vibrant deep blue blooms that are large and daisy-like in appearance. After flowering, if not deadheaded, it may produce seeds, but they often do not come true to the parent due to the hybrid's complex genetics. Generally, as a perennial in mild climates or an annual in colder regions, after blooming, the plant can be cut back to encourage a second flush of flowers before it goes dormant or completes its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Pericallis × hybrida Senetti Deep Blue, commonly known as Senetti, is often propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Senetti using this method, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 3 to 5 inch (about 7.5 to 12.5 cm) portion just below a leaf node. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a moist potting mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Senetti plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before being planted in its final location.
