Senecio Angel Wings

Experience the ethereal beauty of Senecio ‘Angel Wings’, an extraordinary foliage plant that brings heavenly texture and luminous silver colour to Irish gardens with its magnificent velvety leaves that seem to glow in sunlight. This captivating perennial offers some of the most striking foliage in the plant world—large, deeply lobed leaves covered in dense silvery-white felt that creates an almost otherworldly presence, transforming ordinary borders and containers into sophisticated displays of texture and light.

Throughout the growing season, this mesmerising plant displays its spectacular wing-shaped leaves that can reach up to 30cm in length, each one covered in soft, dense white hairs that create a sumptuous velvety texture irresistible to touch. The silvery-white foliage appears to shimmer and glow, particularly when backlit by sun, creating dramatic contrast against green-leaved companions and adding luminosity to every planting scheme. The compact, mounding habit creates elegant architectural presence, whilst the substantial leaves provide bold textural interest that few plants can match.

Named for its distinctive angel wing-shaped leaves and heavenly silvery appearance, this South African native brings Mediterranean charm to Irish gardens. Whilst borderline hardy, ‘Angel Wings’ thrives in our summers and can survive mild Irish winters in sheltered, well-drained positions, particularly in coastal and urban areas. The drought-tolerant nature and tolerance of poor soils make this an exceptional choice for contemporary gravel gardens and challenging sites.

Create stunning textural compositions by pairing this silvery treasure with purple-leaved heucheras, dark sedums, and ornamental grasses for dramatic contrast, or combine with lavender, verbena, and gaura for sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired plantings. Magnificent in containers on sunny patios where its velvety leaves can be admired up close, in gravel gardens, or at the front of sunny borders where its luminous foliage will bring light, texture, and contemporary elegance to your Irish garden sanctuary.

Planting: Space plants 40-60cm apart in full sun with excellent drainage. Dig holes the same depth as the root ball and incorporate horticultural grit for drainage—avoid adding rich compost as this plant thrives in lean conditions. Plant in the warmest, most sheltered spot available, ideally against south-facing walls or in raised beds. Water in gently.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in well-drained to dry soil with pH 6.0-7.5. Prefers lean, gritty conditions—avoid rich, moisture-retentive soils which can cause rot. In heavy clay, plant in raised beds or incorporate generous amounts of horticultural grit and sharp sand. Excellent drainage is essential, particularly in winter. Tolerates poor, stony soils and coastal conditions.

Container Growing: Excellent for containers using gritty, free-draining compost (mix 50% soil-based compost with 50% horticultural grit). Choose pots minimum 30cm diameter with excellent drainage holes. Water sparingly, allowing compost to dry between waterings—overwatering is the main cause of failure. Feed monthly during growing season with half-strength balanced fertiliser. Move containers to frost-free locations (greenhouse, conservatory, or porch) for winter protection.

Seasonal Care: Remove flower stems as they emerge to maintain foliage quality and plant vigour. Trim back any damaged or tatty leaves in spring. In borderline areas, protect crowns with dry mulch (gravel or horticultural grit) in winter. Avoid overhead watering which can damage the velvety leaves. In autumn, either lift and overwinter in frost-free conditions, or protect in situ with fleece and cloches in cold areas. Water sparingly, especially in winter.

Propagation: Take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Remove lower leaves, dip in hormone rooting powder, and root in very gritty compost. Keep just moist (not wet) with good ventilation. Rooting takes 3-4 weeks. Overwinter young plants in frost-free conditions for planting out the following spring after hardening off.