Silver Mound Artemisia : Growing and Caring for This Ornamental Plant

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:

CategoryInformation
Botanical NameArtemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’
Common NameSilver Mound Artemisia
Plant TypeHerbaceous Perennial
Hardiness Zone4-9
Sun ExposureFull Sun
Soil TypeWell-drained, Sandy or Loamy Soil
WateringLow, Drought Tolerant Once Established
Growth HabitMounding, Compact
Height/Spread10-12 inches tall / 12-18 inches wide
FoliageSilvery, Finely Divided, Soft, Feathery
Flowering TimeRarely Flowers, Insignificant
Special FeaturesLow Maintenance, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Attractive Foliage, Good for Borders, Rock Gardens, and Edging

Characteristics of Silver Mound Artemisia

A small Silver Mound Artemisia plant adorned with delicate white flowers in a vibrant garden setting.

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

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
  3. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
  4. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
  5. 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:

  1. Division: Every 3-4 years in spring
  2. 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!

For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com

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