Artemisia plants are visually appealing, and many varieties like ‘Silver Mound’ are also a joy to touch with their exceptionally soft foliage. The flowers of artemisias are often relatively insignificant, usually small, almost petal-less blooms in soft yellow colors. Many gardeners prefer to remove these blooms because the stalks take away from the overall effect of the plant.
Artemisia Care Must-Knows
The most important thing about artemisia plants is they need well-drained soils. They can also perform well in rock gardens, growing in extremely sharp drainage with extended droughts. Planting them in heavy soils, like moist clays, will most likely cause them to die from rot. If they’re grown in too moist soil, the plants tend to grow very quickly, flop, and fall open. Planting them in dry soils is an easy way to prevent this and keep plants more restrained. Artemisias plants love sun and dry heat, so give them as much as possible. Plants are at much higher risk for disease and flopping in part shade. In areas with humid summers, many artemisia varieties can be prone to foliar diseases and a decline of foliage. Keep them in well-ventilated areas and full sun to prevent this. A hard cutback of the plants in summer can be beneficial to encourage new growth of previously suffering plants. It’s also important to note that many species of artemisia spread vigorously by rhizomes, or underground stems. As a result, several types are considered invasive and should be watched when planted. If you have doubts about planting these, look for varieties that are slower to spread or for mounding types that don’t spread at all. You can also keep them in check by planting them in containers or regularly reining them in by digging up runners.
Other Uses
You may also know artemisia by one of its common names, wormwood. Many species of artemisia are prized for the various chemical compounds they produce, giving them a distinctive scent when crushed. One species, in particular, Artemisia absinthium, is what gave the liquor absinthe its trademark ability to cause hallucinations. This has been removed from absinthe recipes due to potential health hazards. Other types are used for medicinal properties and tarragon in culinary uses.
More Varieties of Artemisia
Coastal sagebrush
Artemisia californica ‘Canyon Gray’ is a fantastic groundcover. Coastal sagebrush remains under 2 feet tall and forms a 10-foot-wide mat of fine textured silver-gray foliage. Zones 9-10
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris has a sage-like scent with mint undertones. Its primary use is in aromatherapy. Mugwort grows 2-4 feet tall and wide. The plant flowers from mid to late summer with greenish-white blooms. Zones 5-10
‘Powis Castle’ artemisia
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ is a hybrid form that grows upright to 2-3 feet tall. Its finely divided foliage stays put, making it a welcome addition to the border and container plantings. Zones 7-9
‘Silver King’ artemisia
Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Silver King’ is a fast-spreading variety with bright silvery-white leaves that often turn reddish in autumn. Plant it on a slope in poor soil to prevent erosion. It grows 4 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 4-9.
‘Silver Brocade’ artemisia
Artemisia stelleriana ‘Silver Brocade’ (also called A. stelleriana ‘Boughton Silver’) grows only 6-8 inches tall and spreads a foot or more wide. Its lobed woolly white leaves are ideal for softening the edge of a container or retaining wall. Zones 3-7
‘Seafoam’ artemisia
Artemisia versicolor ‘Seafoam’ has frothy, contorted silver foliage that works well as a groundcover around taller, drought-tolerant perennials. It grows 8 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 4-10.
Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus, most commonly known as tarragon, is grown primarily for its use as a culinary herb and not for any ornamental qualities. Zones 5-9
‘Silver Mound’ artemisia
Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’ forms a low mound of soft, fine-textured foliage up to 1 foot tall that does not spread. Cut it back after its spring flush of growth to prevent the plant from flopping open midsummer. Zones 5-8
Artemisia Companion Plants
Russian Sage
With its tall wispy wands of lavender or blue flowers and silvery foliage, Russian sage is an important player in summer and fall gardens. It shows off well against most flowers and provides an elegant look to flower borders. The aromatic leaves are oblong and deeply cut along the edges. Foot-long panicles of flowers bloom for many weeks. Excellent drainage and full sun are ideal, although very light shade is tolerated. Plant close to avoid staking since the tall plants tend to flop.
Salvia
Few gardens don’t have at least one salvia growing in them. Whether you have sun or shade, a dry garden or lots of rainfall, there’s an annual salvia that you’ll find indispensable. All attract hummingbirds, especially the red ones, and are great picks for hot, dry sites where you want tons of color all season. Most salvias don’t like cool weather, so plant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Veronica
Easy and undemanding, veronicas catch the eye in sunny gardens over many months. Some have mats with loose clusters of saucer-shaped flowers, while others group their star or tubular flowers into erect tight spikes. A few veronicas bring elusive blue to the garden, but more often, the flowers are purplish or violet blue, rosy pink, or white. Provide full sun and average well-drained soil. Regular deadheading extends bloom time.
Garden Plans for Artemisia
Colorful Slope Garden Plan
Transform a tough hillside into drifts of color with show stopping results. Download this free plan now!
