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1.Cineraria Cruenta — Overview
Cineraria cruenta, often recognized by its horticultural name Pericallis × hybrida, is a widely cultivated flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This vibrant hybrid originated from a cross between Pericallis cruenta and Pericallis lanata, both species native to the Canary Islands and Azores. It is predominantly grown as an ornamental, celebrated for its spectacular display of daisy-like flowers that bloom in a dazzling spectrum of colors, including various shades of blue, purple, pink, red, and white, frequently featuring contrasting central discs.
The plant itself is herbaceous, typically forming a mound and reaching heights of 30 to 90 cm. It is characterized by large, lobed, dark green leaves, which often possess a soft, woolly texture on their undersides, arranged in a basal rosette from which the sturdy flower stalks ascend. The inflorescences are typically corymbose or cymose clusters of capitula, each composed of both ray and disc florets, contributing to its rich floral density.
Cineraria thrives in cool, moist, and partially shaded conditions, making it a popular choice for winter and spring annual displays in pots, borders, and bedding, adding a burst of color to gardens and indoor spaces during cooler seasons. Its scientific epithet 'cruenta' historically referred to its striking crimson varieties, though the hybrid now encompasses a much broader palette.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Cineraria Cruenta
1.1 Wikipedia — Cineraria Cruenta
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Cineraria Cruenta should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Cineraria Cruenta — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Botanical Name</strong> — Pericallis × hybrida (syn. Cineraria cruenta).
- ✓ <strong>Family</strong> — Asteraceae (Daisy Family), known for its composite flowers.
- ✓ <strong>Native Range</strong> — Parent species originate from the Canary Islands and Azores.
- ✓ <strong>Flower Colors</strong> — Exhibits a wide array of vibrant colors including blue, purple, pink, red, and white.
- ✓ <strong>Growth Habit</strong> — Herbaceous annual or tender perennial, typically growing 30-90 cm tall.
- ✓ <strong>Key Constituents</strong> — Contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and notably, hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
- ✓ <strong>Traditional Use</strong> — Primarily for ocular support (from related species), anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic.
- ✓ <strong>Primary Caution</strong> — Severe hepatotoxicity due to PAs; internal use is strictly contraindicated.
- ✓ <strong>Cultivation</strong> — Prefers cool, moist, and partially shaded environments; sensitive to heat and frost.
- ✓ <strong>Ornamental Value</strong> — Highly prized for its showy, long-lasting blooms in cooler seasons, ideal for containers.
1.2.Cineraria Cruenta — Quick Summary
- ✓ Cineraria cruenta (Pericallis × hybrida) is a popular ornamental plant from the Asteraceae family.
- ✓ Traditionally, related species have been used for ocular support, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic purposes.
- ✓ Contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), making internal consumption extremely dangerous.
- ✓ Primarily recommended for supervised external use only, with strict contraindications for internal application.
- ✓ Cultivation requires cool, moist conditions with partial shade.
2.Cineraria Cruenta — Scientific Identity
3.Cineraria Cruenta — Quick Facts
4.Cineraria Cruenta — Appearance & Identification
5.Cineraria Cruenta — Native Habitat
6.Cineraria Cruenta — Water Requirements
- ✓ Light Requirements — Prefers partial to full shade; direct, intense sunlight can scorch leaves and reduce bloom duration.
- ✓ Soil Preferences — Thrives in rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.0).
- ✓ Watering Regimen — Requires consistent and even moisture; water frequently at the plant's base, avoiding waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- ✓ Temperature & Humidity — Optimal temperatures are between 50-65°F (10-18°C); sensitive to frost (below 35°F/2°C) and extreme heat (above 80°F/27°C); benefits from high humidity, often achieved with pebble trays indoors.
- ✓ Fertilization — Feed with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks once flower buds begin to appear.
- ✓ Pruning/Deadheading — Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance; plants are often discarded after their bloom cycle.
- ✓ Propagation — Primarily propagated from seeds, which require light for germination; stem cuttings can also be rooted for overwintering indoor plants.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
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