The long, green, smooth stems need support to climb and this can be provided by a trellis, pergola, or other traditional support devices. One can also allow the plant to naturally twine through other shrubs or even allow it to grow as it would in nature by planting it at the base of a tree and leaving it to climb up naturally. The growing tips of the plant must have sunshine in order to develop the flowers properly but the base of the plant will tolerate full shade.

The canary creeper is a tolerant, fast-growing garden plant that grows easiest in full sun, in well-drained composted garden soil against a wall or fence. Feed regularly to encourage good health and to support the vigorous growth and flowering. Water sparingly as this plant is semi-succulent and can tolerate long periods of dryness once it is established. It prefers a warm climate, and dies back in colder climates but will recover quickly and easily; prune away any frost damaged parts.

It can be cut almost down to the ground each year after flowering and seeding, as it will shoot new growth again in spring, easily gaining it previous height and vigour in one season's growth. Can also be trimmed regularly while growing, to control its spread if it is taking over too much of the garden, or if used in a large pocket in a rockery, prune to shape it to fill the allotted space. It also makes a superb groundcover if allowed to spread horizontally.

Used as a groundcover propagate Senecio tamoides from seed sown in spring, or by taking stem cuttings in summer. Treat the cuttings with a rooting hormone and place in river sand till the roots have formed. Stems touching the ground as they grow may often form roots and can be cut off the main plant and grown on successfully.