Blue Chalksticks

Curio repens (KUR-ree-oh REH-penz)

Family: Asteraceae Non-native Groundcover (<1 ft)

Blue chalksticks is a succulent herbaceous perennial native to the Cape Province of South Africa. It is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is a slow-growing, creeping shrub that is found in the sandy cliffs and rocky crevices of its native habitat. This plant is commonly used as a groundcover because of its mat-like habit, and it may also be used as a houseplant. The genus name, Curio , is derived from the Latin word, curiosus , which means "object of interest." The specific epithet, repens, is Latin and means "crawling" or "creeping," and references the plant's habit. The plant can be grown in full sun to partial shade. In areas of intense heat, partial shade is better tolerated. It requires a well-drained succulent potting medium, if used as a houseplant. If planted outdoors in a warm climate, it will need coarse sand or perlite to provide adequate drainage. It is intolerant to overwatering, and it is best to allow the soil or potting medium to dry out between waterings. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b to 12. The plant is intolerant to frost or freezing temperatures. It best propagated by stem cuttings; however, it may also be propagated by seeds. The plant is drought-, heat-, and fire-resistant. Blue chalksticks can grow up to 6 to 8 inches tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It has a branching base, suckering roots, and roots along the stems. The stems have a prostrate habit and bear fleshy, silvery-bluish green, cylindrical leaves that measure 0.75 to 1.25 inches long. Its flowers bloom in the summer and through the fall. They are tiny and white blooms that appear in corymbs. The fruit is an achene with a feathery pappus that is dispersed by the wind. This plant is easy to grow and maintain. Consider adding this ornamental plant to your home. Be aware that the plant is toxic and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor of aphids, scale, spider mites, and whiteflies. Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot. If underwatered, the plant will wilt and shrivel. Etiolation (the stems stretching for light) can result from the lack of sunlight.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 56 attributes.