Artemisia Plant Care: Expert Guide To Growing Silvery Foliage
Discover how to cultivate and care for these aromatic, drought-tolerant silver-leaved plants in your garden landscape
Image: HearthJunction Design Team
Introduction to Artemisia
Artemisia is a diverse genus of plants prized for their striking silvery foliage, aromatic qualities, and exceptional drought tolerance. With over 300 species in the genus, these members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) offer gardeners a range of options from low-growing ground covers to statuesque shrubs. Unlike many of their sunflower relatives, Artemisia are grown primarily for their foliage rather than their flowers, which tend to be small and insignificant.
These versatile plants bring a distinctive silver-gray accent to garden landscapes, providing excellent contrast against green foliage and colorful blooms. Their strong aromatic oils not only give them a pleasant scent when brushed against but also serve to repel many garden pests and wildlife, making them both beautiful and functional additions to any garden.
Basics
Botanical Information
The genus Artemisia comprises over 300 species of aromatic herbs and shrubs distributed throughout temperate regions worldwide. The botanical name Artemisia honors Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and wilderness. These plants are distinguished by the silkiness and divisions of their leaves as well as the arrangements of their typically small, inconspicuous flowers.
Common Names
Artemisia species are known by various common names depending on the specific variety. Some of the most frequently used names include wormwood, mugwort, southernwood, and absinthe. The common names often reflect historical uses; for example, wormwood was traditionally used as a treatment for intestinal parasites.
Key Characteristics
- Hardiness Zones: Most Artemisia species thrive in USDA zones 3-9, though this varies by variety. Some are grown as annuals in colder climates.
- Height and Spread: Size varies dramatically by species, ranging from compact ground covers only 6 inches tall to substantial shrubs reaching 6 feet in height. Spread can range from 1 to 12 feet wide.
- Exposure: Full sun is essential for optimal growth and foliage color.
- Bloom Time: Most varieties flower from summer to fall.
- Flowers: The yellow, white, or grey flowers are typically small and insignificant, with the plants primarily grown for their foliage.
Growing Artemisia
Ideal Growing Conditions
Artemisia plants have evolved to thrive in challenging conditions, making them relatively easy to grow when their basic needs are met. These plants prefer warm, dry climates and will perform best when given the following conditions:
- Sunlight: Plant in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun exposure enhances the silvery coloration of the foliage and promotes compact growth.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial for Artemisia. They prefer poor to moderately fertile, loose, sandy or gravelly soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Rich soils with high fertility can cause excessive growth, leading to floppy stems and reduced hardiness.
- Water: Once established, most Artemisia species are notably drought-tolerant. They generally require minimal supplemental watering except during prolonged dry periods. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and other problems.
- Spacing: Proper spacing is important to ensure good air circulation, which helps prevent disease issues. Space plants according to their mature size, typically 1-3 feet apart for smaller varieties and 3-5 feet for larger types.
Planting Instructions
For the best results when planting Artemisia, follow these steps:
- Choose a site with full sun exposure and excellent drainage.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating some coarse sand or small gravel if drainage is a concern.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the original container.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with soil, gently firming around the roots.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
- Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it several inches away from the stems to prevent moisture-related issues.
What others are reading
Care and Maintenance
Watering
Artemisia plants have evolved to withstand drought conditions, making them excellent choices for water-wise gardens. After the initial establishment period (usually the first growing season), these plants require minimal watering. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common causes of problems with Artemisia.
For established plants, allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. During hot, dry spells, a deep watering every two to three weeks should suffice. Always water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry and reduce disease risk.
Fertilization
Artemisia generally performs best in lean soil and requires little to no fertilization. Too much nitrogen can stimulate excessive foliage growth, making plants floppy and reducing their cold hardiness. If your soil is particularly poor, a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring may be beneficial, but this is rarely necessary.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and vigor of Artemisia plants. Here are some pruning guidelines:
- Spring Pruning: Cut back woody stems by about one-third in early spring before new growth appears. This encourages bushier growth and prevents plants from becoming leggy.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flower heads if you wish to prevent self-seeding, although this is optional since the flowers are not the main attraction.
- Rejuvenation: Every few years, consider cutting woody varieties back severely (to about 6 inches from the ground) in early spring to rejuvenate them.
Dividing
To increase vigor and extend the life of perennial forms of Artemisia, divide plants every 2 to 3 years or when the center of the plant begins to die out. This can be done in either spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant, separate it into smaller sections ensuring each has roots attached, and replant promptly. Water well after dividing until the new plants are established.
Propagation Methods
Artemisia can be propagated through several methods:
From Seed
While possible, seed propagation can be challenging for some species due to low germination rates. If attempting to grow from seed:
- Sow seeds in early spring on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix.
- Press seeds lightly into the soil but do not cover, as most Artemisia seeds require light for germination.
- Keep soil barely moist until germination, which typically takes 1-3 weeks.
From Cuttings
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer root readily and produce plants identical to the parent:
- Take 3-4 inch cuttings from non-flowering stems.
- Remove leaves from the bottom half of each cutting.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but beneficial).
- Insert into a container filled with a mix of perlite and peat moss.
- Keep lightly moist and in bright, indirect light until roots form, usually within 3-4 weeks.
By Division
Division is the easiest and most reliable method for propagating established perennial Artemisia. As described in the care section, simply dig up and separate clumps, then replant the divisions.
Common Varieties
The Artemisia genus includes numerous garden-worthy species and cultivars, each with distinctive characteristics:
Artemisia absinthium (Common Wormwood)
Growing 2-4 feet tall, this classic variety features finely divided, silver-gray foliage with a strong, distinctive aroma. Historically used in the production of absinthe liqueur, it makes a striking accent in perennial borders. The cultivar ‘Powis Castle’ is particularly popular for its more compact habit and exceptionally silver foliage.
Artemisia ludoviciana (White Sage)
Native to North America, white sage grows 1-3 feet tall with elongated silver leaves. It spreads by rhizomes and can be somewhat aggressive in ideal conditions. The cultivar ‘Silver King’ is prized for its bright white foliage, while ‘Silver Queen’ offers a more compact form.
Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’
This compact variety forms a neat, rounded mound of finely textured, silvery foliage reaching only 10-12 inches in height. It’s ideal for edging, rock gardens, or containers.
Artemisia stelleriana ‘Silver Brocade’
A low-growing ground cover with deeply lobed, silver-white leaves. It spreads slowly to form a dense mat about 6-8 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide, making it perfect for the front of borders or spilling over walls.
Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush)
Native to western North America, this woody shrub can reach 6 feet tall with silvery-gray, aromatic foliage. It’s ideal for naturalistic gardens in arid regions and provides important habitat for wildlife.
Landscape Uses
Garden Design Applications
The distinctive silvery foliage of Artemisia makes these plants valuable design elements in various garden settings:
- Color Contrast: The silver-gray foliage creates striking contrast against green-leaved plants and bright flowers.
- Texture: The often finely divided leaves add textural interest to garden compositions.
- Structure: Taller varieties provide architectural elements and winter interest in the garden.
- Night Gardens: The reflective foliage catches moonlight and illumination, making these plants excellent choices for evening gardens.
Companion Plants
Artemisia pairs beautifully with many garden plants, including:
- Purple-flowering plants like lavender, salvia, and Russian sage for dramatic color contrast
- Ornamental grasses that complement their texture and drought tolerance
- Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and thyme that share similar growing requirements
- Late-blooming perennials like asters, sedums, and coneflowers
Problems and Solutions
Diseases and Pests
When given the right growing conditions, artemisia experiences few insect or disease problems. However, some issues may arise, particularly in less-than-ideal conditions:
- Fungal Diseases: Problems such as powdery mildew, rust, and root rot may occur with overwatering, poor air circulation, high humidity, or damp conditions. Ensure proper spacing, avoid overhead watering, and provide excellent drainage to prevent these issues.
- Pests: Potential pests include aphids, mites, scale, or leaf beetles. These are rarely serious and can typically be addressed with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if necessary. The strong scent of artemisia naturally repels many common garden pests.
Wildlife Resistance
Artemisia is highly resistant to deer and rabbits, as these animals dislike both the pungent scent and bitter taste of the foliage. This makes these plants excellent choices for gardens in areas with high deer pressure. Additionally, the aromatic compounds in Artemisia help deter many insect pests, making them useful companion plants throughout the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my artemisia plant becoming leggy?
A: Leggy growth in artemisia is usually caused by insufficient sunlight, excessive fertility, or lack of pruning. Ensure your plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, avoid over-fertilizing, and prune back by one-third in early spring to encourage bushier growth.
Q: Are artemisia plants invasive?
A: Some artemisia species, particularly Artemisia vulgaris (common mugwort) and certain forms of A. ludoviciana, can spread aggressively through rhizomes or self-seeding. Research specific varieties before planting, and consider using barriers or containers for potentially invasive types.
Q: How do I maintain the silver color of artemisia foliage?
A: The silvery appearance of artemisia foliage is optimized with full sun exposure, lean soil, and proper watering. Plants grown in shade or rich, moist soil often develop greener, less silvery foliage and may become floppy.
Q: Can artemisia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, many artemisia varieties, especially compact forms like ‘Silver Mound’ and ‘Silver Brocade,’ perform well in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or small gravel, and ensure the container has adequate drainage holes.
Q: Are artemisia plants edible or medicinal?
A: While some artemisia species have historical culinary and medicinal uses, many contain thujone and other compounds that can be toxic in large amounts. Consult with experts before using any artemisia for consumption or medicinal purposes, as proper identification and knowledge of safe preparation methods are essential.
References
- https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/artemisia.html
- https://www.herbsociety.org/file_download/inline/d52eae8c-be89-497d-94b3-7fc8da4105f1
- https://www.cnps.org/gardening/artemisia-in-the-garden-486
- https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_arlu.pdf
- https://www.bloomindesigns.com/brands/Artemisia.html
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Shinta
