# Dusty Miller Plants & Drought Resistance
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Plant Characteristics
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Although dusty miller's size and the shape of its leaves varies by cultivar, the plant is generally low-growing. Dusty miller minds its manners in the garden, staying in place without sending out suckers or tossing seeds to grow plants where they are not wanted. Planted in a row in front of the garden, dusty miller's lacy, fern-like foliage forms a delicate, lush border enriched by the leaf coating that resembles silver dust. Dusty miller can grow to about 2 feet tall and become almost shrubby. Since the plant is usually grown only for its foliage and short stature, cut the plant back and pinch off flower buds to maintain the glowing foliage effect.
Culture
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One of the least picky plants in the garden, dusty miller thrives in full sun to part shade in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. The plant does not require rich soil or special coddling. Plant dusty miller seedlings after last frost, in well-drained, evenly moist soil. The plant thrives in most soil types, from sandy to clay, and can grow in acid, alkaline or neutral soils. Dusty miller will grow in full shade, but does not produce quality foliage.
Propagation
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Although you can start dusty miller seeds indoors 10 to 15 weeks before last frost, young plants are generally inexpensive and widely available in early spring at most garden centers. Seeds need light to germinate, so sow them on top of the soil. You can also take cuttings in the fall and let them overwinter indoors before planting them in the spring.
Watering
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Keep young plants well watered until they are firmly established in the garden or container, then let nature handle the job. Dusty miller can withstand prolonged periods of drought without wilting, but the plant's drought tolerance depends heavily on the climate and soil where it is growing and the plant's overall health. Water once a week if the plant is in full sun and less in shade or in clay soils. The plant prefers warm, dry summers, so it generally needs no extra watering during a dry spell. Too much rainfall or overhead watering can wash away the silvery coating on the leaves, however, leaving the foliage plain-Jane green.
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