Senecio mandraliscae ‘Blue Mountain’

Blue straws, Blue chalksticks 'Blue Mountain'

Senecio mandraliscae ‘Blue Mountain’, commonly known as Blue Chalksticks, is a spreading succulent native to South Africa. It features elongated, fleshy, blue-grey leaves that curve upward, forming dense mats. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for ground cover, borders, and coastal gardens.

It will not tolerate being frozen, so it is best to overwinter undercover.

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Origin: Species native to South Africa, cultivar of horticultural origin

Genus: Senecio

Species / Cultivar: mandraliscae 'Blue Mountain'

Common Name: Blue straws, Blue chalksticks 'Blue Mountain'

Synonym: Curio talinoides subsp. mandraliscae, Kleinia mandraliscae

Light: Direct

This plant likes as much sun as possible. Best placed in direct sunlight in a bright window.

Soil: Well drained

Soil that does not show much signs of moisture, either visibly or when handled.

Growth Rate: Medium

Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.

Water Requirement: Low

Will grow in a drier position and is unlikely to need regular watering once established.

Maintenance: Moderate

Some special care needed, which may include pruning or winter protection.

Situation: Full Sun

Wants direct, unfiltered sunlight most of the day, such as a south facing position.

Eventual Height: 0.1-0.5m

The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.

Eventual Spread: 0.1-0.5m

The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.

Hardiness: Half Hardy

Will need protection from frosts in order to survive winter, eg. with fleece jacket.

Habit: Evergreen

Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Care & Size Guidance

Senecio mandraliscae, commonly known as Blue Chalksticks, is a spreading succulent native to South Africa, reaching heights of up to 50cm. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring a sandy-based mix with organic matter. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Although this species can take a degree or two of frost, it must be very dry so it is better to overwinter this plant under glass. It is a good idea to take some cuttings in late summer to give you plants for next year. Propagation is typically done through stem or leaf cuttings.