Monro's Daisy Brachyglottis monroi
ABOUT
Brachyglottis monroi, commonly referred to as Monro's ragwort, is a visually distinctive plant primarily recognized for its foliage and flower characteristics. This plant possesses leathery and slightly wrinkled leaves, with an attractive gray-green color that can add a unique texture and hue to garden spaces. The leaves are usually broad, often oval-shaped, and may have toothed edges that add to their ornamental value. Come flowering season, Monro's ragwort produces clusters of sunny yellow flowers that contrast beautifully with its silvery foliage. These daisy-like flowers typically have a central disc surrounded by ray petals, creating a bright and cheerful display. The overall appearance of the blooms can be quite dense and showy, making Monro's ragwort a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a pop of color to their green spaces. The foliage frequently holds onto the plant year-round, in warmer climates it can provide continual interest even when the plant is not in bloom. The color, texture, and blossoms of Monro's ragwort together make it a plant of considerable charm, lending an almost Mediterranean vibe to settings in which it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Monroe's Ragwort, Brachyglottis Monroi
Common names
Senecio monroi.
ToxicityTo humans
Brachyglottis monroi, more commonly known as Monro's ragwort, is not widely documented for its toxicity to humans. However, as it is a type of ragwort, it may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, substances known to cause liver damage if ingested in significant quantities over time. These compounds can be toxic to the liver and may lead to poisoning. Symptoms of pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning may include liver dysfunction, digestive disturbances, and, in severe cases, liver failure. It is wise to avoid ingesting any parts of the plant and to exercise caution when handling it to prevent potential toxicity.
To pets
Monro's ragwort, or Brachyglottis monroi, is not specifically listed as toxic to pets, but being a member of the ragwort family, it could potentially present risks similar to other more well-known toxic ragworts. If it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids like its relatives, ingestion by pets can lead to poisoning, with symptoms that may include liver damage, jaundice, lethargy, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, liver failure. While each pet's sensitivity may vary, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting or having prolonged contact with this plant to avoid potential adverse health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Grey-green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Brachyglottis monroi, commonly known as Monro's ragwort, adds visual interest to gardens with its lush green foliage and bright yellow flowers.
- Habitat Support: It provides nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinating insects, such as bees and butterflies, thus supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Monro's ragwort is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or in gardens with low-water availability.
- Erosion Control: It can be used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its dense growth habit.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and being resilient to many common plant diseases.
- Fast Growth: The plant tends to grow rapidly, which can be beneficial for quickly filling garden spaces or for establishing cover.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense foliage can provide shelter for small animals and beneficial insects.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Brachyglottis 'Sunshine' is often used in floral arrangements; its leaves provide a contrasting silvery texture that complements various flower colors and shapes.
- The plant acts as a shelter for small wildlife, providing a safe haven for insects and small birds within its dense foliage.
- It's commonly included in educational gardens and plant identification courses due to its distinctive features and ease of care.
- In some communities, the plant is used as a natural boundary or hedge due to its dense growth habit and robust nature.
- Brachyglottis 'Sunshine' leaves can be used in crafts, such as leaf casting, where their unique shapes create decorative stepping stones or garden ornaments.
- Its drought resistance makes it a candidate for green roofing projects, where hardy plants are needed to withstand challenging conditions.
- As a hardy, evergreen shrub, it is used in coastal landscaping where salty winds and sandy soils often limit plant choices.
- The plant is used in sensory gardens, as its textured leaves can add a tapestry of tactile experiences for visitors to enjoy.
- It is sometimes used as a natural dye plant, with the leaves imparting color to fabrics or other materials in craft applications.
- Gardeners often plant Brachyglottis 'Sunshine' as a companion plant to protect more vulnerable species from wind and sun exposure.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Senecio Monroii is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Senecio Monroii is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Brachyglottis monroi, commonly known as Monro's daisy, often grows in tough conditions such as rocky areas, which symbolizes its ability to withstand and adapt to difficult environments.
- Perseverance - With its capability to thrive where few other plants can, Monro's daisy represents the idea of persisting through challenges and obstacles.
- Protection - The plant's robust nature and evergreen leaves may signify a form of defense or safeguarding, as it holds up against the elements year-round.
- Beauty in Simplicity - Monro's daisy has a humble but attractive appearance, embodying the concept that beauty can be found in simple, unassuming forms.
- Adaptation - This plant's adaptability to grow in various conditions reflects the symbol of adapting to changes and surviving through flexibility.
WaterBrachyglottis monroi, commonly known as Dunedin Group 'Sunshine', prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It typically requires watering every 7 to 10 days, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. Use room temperature water and slowly pour it around the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot—this may be approximately one gallon per month for a plant in a standard-sized garden container. Avoid letting the 'Sunshine' sit in water, as this can lead to root rot. It is always better to underwater than overwater this plant to ensure its health.
LightDunedin Group 'Sunshine' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It enjoys a spot where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate and do well in light, filtered shade. Avoid placing 'Sunshine' in deep shade, as this will impair its growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureFor Dunedin Group 'Sunshine', the ideal temperature range is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can withstand occasional dips just below freezing but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can be damaging. It is also tolerant of high temperatures but should be protected from extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent stress and leaf scorch.
PruningPrune Dunedin Group 'Sunshine' to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or damaged branches. Light pruning can be done at any time of the year, but the best time for major pruning is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning once a year is usually sufficient for this plant, which helps to encourage healthy new growth and a more compact form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Senecio Monroi thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. A mix of potting soil, coarse sand, and peat would be ideal to ensure good drainage and aeration. Adding perlite or pumice can further enhance drainage, which is essential for its health.
RepottingSenecio Monroi does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Repotting in the springtime is best, giving the plant time to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & MistingSenecio Monroi prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity typical of indoor environments. Ensure good air circulation to prevent humidity build-up around the foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Senecio Monroi near a sunny window away from drafts.
Outdoor
Grow Senecio Monroi in partial shade and protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
9-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Brachyglottis monroi, commonly known as Monro's ragwort, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding suitable soil conditions, germinates to produce a small seedling. This seedling then develops a root system and a rosette of leaves as it grows into a juvenile plant. As it matures, Monro's ragwort enters the vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of larger leaves and stems, and the development of woody tissue as it becomes a shrub. The plant then reaches the reproductive stage, where it produces clusters of yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, seeds are formed and dispersed by wind or animal vectors, thus completing the cycle. In favorable environmental conditions, the plant may also spread vegetatively through shoots arising from the base of the main stem or from root fragments.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method for propagating the Brachyglottis 'Sunshine', commonly known as the Brachyglottis monroi, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is generally done in the later summer months, when the plant's growth begins to mature and harden slightly. To propagate via cuttings, a gardener would take a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length of stem, ensuring there are several sets of leaves on the cutting. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leaf node where the leaves were removed is buried. A plastic cover can be used to maintain humidity around the cutting. It is then kept in indirect sunlight until roots have formed, which typically takes several weeks.
