Sage / Artemisia

Artemisia ludoviciana, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia schmidtiana

Cultivars: 'Silver Mound', 'Powis Castle', 'Silver King'

Artemisia is a drought-tough shrub and perennial group prized for its silver to gray-green foliage and fine, feathery texture that instantly brightens hot, sunny beds. In the landscape it reads as “cool-toned structure,” making other colors pop, especially warm flowers and dark evergreens. Many types form tidy mounds or low, airy shrubs that soften hard edges, spill over rockwork, and knit together xeric plantings. Some varieties add subtle seasonal interest with small, inconspicuous flower sprays, but the main attraction is the foliage texture and color that holds through summer heat and wind.

Plant Characteristics
Genus
Artemisia
Species
Artemisia ludoviciana, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia schmidtiana
Cultivar
‘Silver Mound’, ‘Powis Castle’, ‘Silver King’
Family
Asteraceae
Plant Characteristics
Sun-Loving
Plant Color
gray-green, blue-green
Bloom Time
Summer
Fall Color
Semi-evergreen
Height
1-12'
Width
2-6'
Water Use
Low
Care Instructions

Artemisia performs best in full sun and sharply drained soils. It has low water needs once established and generally prefers to stay on the dry side, overwatering is one of the fastest ways to shorten its life, especially in heavier soils. Water consistently the first season to establish roots, then transition to deep, infrequent irrigation. Prune in early spring to remove winter damage and encourage dense new growth, with woody, shrubby forms, avoid cutting back into old bare wood that lacks green growth. Fall die-off cutback is usually not recommended for woody artemisias, leaving top growth through winter helps protect the crown and reduces winter kill. Winter protection is typically unnecessary if drainage is excellent, mulch lightly if needed, but avoid burying the crown.