How to Care for a Dusty Miller Plant
- 1). Plant Dusty Miller in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Check the soil in the location you are considering after a rain shower to make certain that excess water drains away quickly.
- 2). Mix compost with the newly turned soil when preparing to plant Dusty Miller. This will give an extra boost of nutrition to help the new plantings get off to a healthy start.
- 3). Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the plants to prevent weed growth and help retain moisture.
- 4). Water daily until the plants are established. Once they have developed a sturdy root system, Dusty Miller will only need watered after several days without rainfall.
- 5). Feed every other week with a water soluble fertilizer that has been mixed at half the strength recommended on the package.
- 6). Trim Dusty Miller plants regularly to maintain an attractive shape. Remove any flowers that appear promptly. This will allow nutrients to spread to the foliage instead of the blooms, resulting in a fuller and more attractive plant.
- 7). Check Dusty Miller regularly for signs of pests. This plant is susceptible to thrips, mealy bugs and white fly. Treat with an insecticide at the first sign of an infestation.