Family: Rhamnaceae
Common Name: Dusty Miller, Silver Spyridium

This genus comprises around 30 species of Australian native shrubs. They are quite small, with downy, gray leaves and shoots and almost stalkless, white flowers, surrounded by bracts. Though ornamental and suited to coastal gardens, few species are cultivated. They are unlikely to be available outside Australia.

Species

S. cinereum, from Victoria, is a prostrate groundcover. Leaf-like white bracts surround the flower heads.

S. globulosum, from Western Australia, is an upright-growing shrub, to 1 m (3 ft). The oval to oblong leaves have white undersides, and roundish, white flower heads appear from winter to autumn in its natural habitat.

S. parvifolium has foliage which is white and silky on the undersides. The flower heads are white.

Cultivation

Spyridiums are excellent sand-binding plants, preferring a well-drained, sandy soil in a sunny spot. In frost-prone climates, grow in a cool, airy greenhouse or conservatory in pots of gritty, well-drained soil-based potting compost.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9.