Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’: A Cool-Hued Jewel for Gardeners Who Love Drama
Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’ or Senecio ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’ is a breathtaking hybrid daisy that captures attention with its vivid blooms and tidy, upright form. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, this cultivar is part of the innovative Mandala® Plus series bred by Dümmen Orange. With its striking, unicolored sky-blue to violet-blue flowers and deep green, heart-shaped foliage, this compact perennial shines equally in containers, borders, and early-season displays.
Often still referenced by its older genus name Senecio, this plant is more accurately identified today as Pericallis, reflecting its current taxonomic placement. The Mandala® Plus series was bred for performance and versatility, and this particular cultivar is a standout in cool-season beds or patios where color is craved before summer blooms arrive.
The Unique Beauty of Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’
This plant grabs attention with its stunning visual appeal. Its blossoms, each measuring 5.5 to 6 cm (2.1 to 2.3 inches) across, cluster together in a corymb, creating a level canopy of blooms for a full, symmetrical display. The name “Mandala” suits it perfectly—look down from above, and the flowers form a mesmerizing pattern that draws your eye straight to the center of each bloom.
The flower color itself is a rich, saturated sky blue with cool violet undertones, classified as N095A on the RHS color chart. This intense blue hue is rare in flowering plants and gives Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’ a jewel-like quality that contrasts beautifully against its dark green, cordate (heart-shaped) foliage.
At a mature size of just 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) in height and spreading 15–18 cm (6–7 inches) wide, it’s perfect for small spaces, windowsill gardens, or massed in low borders. Its tidy, mounding form and short stature make it particularly well-suited to front-of-bed plantings and hanging baskets.
How to Grow Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’
Light
Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’ prefers bright locations but not harsh midday sun. In most temperate climates, full sun is fine in spring and autumn. In warmer zones, afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch and preserve flower intensity. Indoors or in greenhouses, place near a south- or west-facing window for best results.
Soil
This hybrid requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A potting mix with peat, perlite, and composted bark is ideal for container culture. Avoid overly compact soils, which may retain too much moisture and lead to root issues.
Watering
Pericallis thrives in consistently moist soil, especially during the flowering period. However, it’s important not to overwater. Let the top few centimeters (about 1 inch) of soil dry slightly between watering. Good drainage is essential—these plants do not tolerate soggy conditions.
Fertilizing
Feed every two weeks during active growth using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. High phosphorus formulations may encourage more blooms, but avoid overfeeding, which can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Temperature and Hardiness
This cultivar does best in USDA zones 10 and up if grown as a perennial. In colder climates, they treat it as an annual or overwintered indoors. The plant prefers cool weather and may decline in extreme summer heat. It will tolerate nighttime temperatures down to 4.4°C (40°F), making it ideal for early-season displays.
The Mandala® Plus Series: Breeding for Bold Impact
The Mandala® Plus line has both growers and gardeners in mind. This series performs reliably in a range of climates, including cool northern Europe and milder North American zones. What sets it apart is its uniformity, large flower size, and exceptional color saturation.
In addition to ‘Sky Blue’, the series also features cultivars like ‘Blue Charme’, ‘Pink Bicolor’, ‘Purple’, and ‘Salmon’. Each one shares the same compact form and profuse flowering habit, making them excellent choices for coordinated color schemes in mass plantings or mixed containers.
How to Use Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’ in the Garden
This plant is popular in spring container displays, where its early-season flowering and cool color palette make it a favorite for Easter and Mother’s Day arrangements. It shines in:
- Decorative pots and hanging baskets
- Entryway plantings
- Massed in garden beds for a carpet of blue
- Underplantings with tulips or daffodils
- Pairings with white alyssum, pink diascia, or silver-foliaged dusty miller
Its moderate size and uniform growth also make it perfect for retail displays and garden centers looking to offer early-season impact.
Propagation
Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’ is typically propagated by seed or vegetative cuttings, depending on the production system. Commercial growers usually purchase plugs or liners from licensed suppliers due to the hybrid nature of the plant, which may not grow true from seed.
If you attempt propagation at home, take softwood cuttings in late summer, root them in moist, sterile media, and keep under humidity with bottom heat. However, patented cultivars like this one may be protected by plant breeders’ rights, so propagation for resale may be restricted.
Pests and Diseases
Fortunately, Pericallis is relatively pest-resistant when grown in ideal conditions. Still, some issues can arise:
- Aphids may target young growth; they can be washed off or treated with insecticidal soap.
- Botrytis (gray mold) is a risk in overly humid or crowded conditions. Good airflow is crucial.
- Powdery mildew can develop in shady, damp spots—ensure plants are spaced and pruned properly.
Always water early in the day and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
Final Thoughts on Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’
For gardeners looking to add a bold splash of color in early spring or autumn, Pericallis ‘Mandala® Plus Sky Blue’ delivers both style and substance. With its rich, unbroken blue hue, heart-shaped foliage, and tidy form, this plant is a cool-season stunner that transitions effortlessly between containers and beds.
It’s low maintenance, compact, and adaptable, thriving in both sunny and partly shaded spaces with minimal fuss. Whether you’re designing a seasonal container display or looking to brighten a drab corner of the garden, this cultivar brings elegance and vibrancy in equal measure.
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