Senecio mandraliscaeBlue Chalk Sticks

The Senecio mandraliscae, or Blue Chalk Sticks, is a low-growing, evergreen succulent known for its striking blue-grey, finger-like foliage. Forming dense mats up to 20 to 30 cm tall, this hardy plant adds vibrant colour and texture to gardens, rockeries, and containers. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils make it ideal for coastal and xeriscape designs.

Native to South Africa, Blue Chalk Sticks is a versatile, low-maintenance groundcover that provides year-round interest in a variety of landscapes.

Specifications

• Height0.2 to 0.3 metres
• Width0.6 to 1 metre (spreading habit)
• Native toSouth Africa
• FoliageBlue-grey, cylindrical, fleshy leaves
• Growth rateModerate to fast

Conditions

• SoilPrefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils; tolerates poor soil
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterLow; highly drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean regions

Additional Features

• FlowersSmall, white to pale yellow blooms in summer, though primarily grown for foliage
• UsesIdeal for groundcover, rockeries, borders, containers, or erosion control
• SpacingPlant 30 to 50 cm apart for dense coverage
• Low MaintenanceRequires little care; trim back to control spread if needed
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free and resilient
• Drought TolerancePerfect for water-wise and coastal gardens
• Seasonal AppealEvergreen foliage provides year-round beauty and contrast

Blue Chalk Sticks is a striking and reliable succulent, perfect for adding bold colour, texture, and low-maintenance greenery to landscapes and gardens.