Grown primarily for their silvery-green foliage, Artemisia plants make excellent contrast plants in the garden.
Their soft, finely textured leaves pair beautifully with flowering perennials and deeper green foliage. Easy to care for and fairly drought tolerant, Artemisia are well suited to cottage gardens, mixed borders, and containers.
Commonly known as Wormwood, Artemisia belong to the Asteraceae family and fall into two main groups: herbaceous varieties and shrubs.
One of the more interesting species is Artemisia dracunculus, commonly known as French tarragon
Why Grow Artemisia?
Shrub forms of Artemisia are particularly valued for their foliage, especially the silver and grey-leaved varieties. One of the most popular is Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’ Nana, a low-growing, compact plant that works well as ground cover or edging.
Foliage colour ranges from pale grey to bright silver, making Artemisia an excellent accent plant that enhances surrounding colours and textures.
Popular Artemisia Varieties for the Garden
Many Artemisia varieties deserve a place in the garden, including:
- Artemisia canescens
- Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’
- Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’
- Artemisia vulgaris ‘Oriental Limelight’ – valued for its yellow-variegated foliage and ground-covering habit
- Artemisia stelleriana Mori’s Strain
Artemisia canescens
Growing to approximately 15 cm tall, Artemisia canescens is a slowly spreading, non-invasive wormwood that thrives in dry conditions. Its low-growing habit makes it ideal for:
- Rock gardens
- Edging
- The front of well-maintained borders
General Care for Artemisia
Artemisia are low-maintenance plants when grown in the right conditions.
- Sun: Full sun is essential for compact growth and strong foliage colour
- Soil: Well-drained soil is critical
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Feeding: Minimal fertiliser required in good soils
- Pruning: Cut back in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
Artemisia Varieties to Look For
While many species are available, the following are among the most popular and reliable:
- A. vulgaris.
- A. tridentata.
- A. absinthium.
- A. arborescens
- A. ludoviciana – Look for ‘Valerie Finnis”
- A. Silver Spreader
- A.lactiflora ‘Guizhou’.
- A. powis Castle
Final Care Tips
Artemisia (Wormwood) are attractive, drought-tolerant foliage plants that perform beautifully in borders and low-water gardens. Prune back hard in early spring to maintain a neat shape and encourage vigorous new growth.
Where To Buy
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
GENTIANA NURSERY – PH (03) 97512363
OLINDA-MONBULK RD OLINDA VIC.
email craigw60@eisa.net.au
More Artemisia Species
