A spreading groundcover succulent of upright finger-like blue-grey leaves with a chalky bloom, forming a cool silvery carpet ideal for mass planting and erosion-prone slopes. Tough and water-wise.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Blue Chalksticks
Botanically, Curio talinoides var. mandraliscae is a moderate-growing succulent in the Asteraceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. White flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Blue Chalksticks
Blue Chalksticks suits arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Blue Chalksticks does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Blue Chalksticks is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Blue Chalksticks after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Blue Chalksticks in the garden
Blue Chalksticks earns its place for a low lawn alternative, holding soil on banks and slopes and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Blue Chalksticks with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Blue Chalksticks
Plant Sale lists Blue Chalksticks as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.