For unique foliage texture or color, look no further than Angel Wings Senecio (Senecio candicans). It is a fast-growing succulent flowering plant of the Asteraceae family that is native to South America (Patagonian region of Chile). Its big furry foliage is white and wavy.

Introduced by Concept Plants, Angel Wings works well in mixed containers or equally well in a mixed perennial border. Utilized usually as warm season annual, it favors warm temperatures between 60° – 80°F. In southern hot zones provide some morning or afternoon shade to avoid scorching its leaves. Senecio is not frost-hardy and should be protected from temperatures below 40°F. If grown in colder climates, consider moving potted plants indoors during winter. (Zones 9a -11).

Its large, soft silvery succulent leaves are soft and fuzzy to the touch. The plant grows up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. The Angel Wings plant blooms in the summer months with a mostly insignificant small yellow flowers.

Angel Wings plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate partial shade, too little sunlight may result in leggy growth and a duller leaf color. If grown indoors as house plants, place them near a bright window with maximum light exposure.

Plants are drought-tolerant and prefer moderate watering. Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring the soil drains well to prevent root rot. During hot weather, occasional deep watering is beneficial, but overwatering should be avoided. Reduce watering frequency in cooler months.

In the garden utilize as a bold accent against green-leaved plants and colorful flowering perennials in sunny, drought tolerant borders, rock gardens, succulent gardens, and containers. Angel Wings tolerate either alkaline or acid soils and it can handle a bit of salt spray around beach areas.

Fertilize with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer such as Miracle Gro™ or Jack’s™ every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. This will help your plant thrive and maintain a vibrant appearance. 

Where this tender perennial is not hardy outside over winter, grow it indoors as a houseplant in a sunny window. As a summer bedding plant in a sunny area in well-drained soil. Utilize as an accent plant mixed with other summer flowering annuals where the soft velvety foliage may be touched and appreciated.

Angel Wings performs better in a container with good potting media drainage than one grown in garden soil. Protect from excess rainfall and hard frosts. For maximum appearance, pinch off dead or damaged leaves. Periodically, inspect pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. For proper pest management, use insecticidal soap or Neem oil.