Discover how to grow and care for Silver Mound Artemisia, a beautiful ornamental plant. Get tips on planting, maintenance and using its silver foliage to enhance your garden
Silver Mound Artemisia, scientifically known as Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’, is a striking ornamental plant prized for its soft, silvery-gray foliage. This compact, mounding perennial adds texture and contrast to gardens, making it a favorite among landscapers and home gardeners alike.
Here is a chart with detailed information on Silver Mound Artemisia:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’ |
| Common Name | Silver Mound Artemisia |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, Sandy or Loamy Soil |
| Watering | Low, Drought Tolerant Once Established |
| Growth Habit | Mounding, Compact |
| Height/Spread | 10-12 inches tall / 12-18 inches wide |
| Foliage | Silvery, Finely Divided, Soft, Feathery |
| Flowering Time | Rarely Flowers, Insignificant |
| Special Features | Low Maintenance, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Attractive Foliage, Good for Borders, Rock Gardens, and Edging |
Characteristics of Silver Mound Artemisia
Appearance
- Finely textured, feathery silver-gray foliage
- Compact, mounding growth habit
- Typically grows 10-12 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide
- Small, insignificant yellow flowers (rarely seen)
Foliage
The plant’s main attraction is its beautiful silver foliage, which remains attractive throughout the growing season.
Growing Silver Mound Artemisia
Ideal Growing Conditions
Sunlight
Silver Mound Artemisia thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. For the best foliage color and compact growth, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil
- Prefers well-draining, average to poor soil
- Tolerates sandy or rocky soils
- Ideal pH range: 6.0 to 7.0
Hardiness
Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Planting Silver Mound Artemisia
When to Plant
Spring or early fall are the best times to plant Silver Mound Artemisia.
How to Plant
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart for optimal growth.
Caring for Silver Mound Artemisia
Watering
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
- Once established, Silver Mound Artemisia is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
- Avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers dry conditions.
Fertilizing
- Silver Mound Artemisia doesn’t require much fertilizer.
- If desired, apply a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced silver coloration.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune in early spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage and shape the plant.
- Trim lightly throughout the growing season to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Cut back by one-third to one-half in midsummer if the plant becomes leggy.
Winter Care
In colder regions, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant after the ground freezes for extra protection.
Common Pests and Diseases
Silver Mound Artemisia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but keep an eye out for:
- Root rot (in poorly drained soils)
- Leaf spot (in humid conditions)
- Aphids (rarely)
If you notice any issues, improve air circulation and reduce watering. Treat pests with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Using Silver Mound Artemisia in Your Garden
Landscape Applications
- Rock gardens
- Border edging
- Container gardens
- Mass plantings for a silvery groundcover effect
- Xeriscaping
Companion Plants
Silver Mound Artemisia pairs well with:
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
- Sedum (Hylotelephium)
- Ornamental grasses like Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Propagating Silver Mound Artemisia
You can propagate Silver Mound Artemisia through:
- Division: Every 3-4 years in spring
- Stem cuttings: Take softwood cuttings in early summer
Benefits of Silver Mound Artemisia
- Adds unique texture and color to gardens
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Low-maintenance
- Attractive to butterflies
Potential Drawbacks
- May become leggy in excessive shade or rich soils
- Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions
- Not suitable for areas with high humidity or poor drainage
Silver Mound Artemisia is a beautiful and versatile ornamental plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. Its striking silver foliage provides excellent contrast to other plants and adds interest throughout the growing season. With its low-maintenance nature and drought tolerance, it’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Whether you’re looking to add texture to your rock garden, create a stunning border, or simply enjoy a low-maintenance perennial, Silver Mound Artemisia is a fantastic option. By following these care tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of this silvery plant in your garden for years to come. Happy gardening!
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