Artemisia
If you’re looking for graceful, easy-care plants to light up a sunny, dry area, look no further than Artemisia. The genus includes the ancient herbs Wormwood and Mugwort, and the culinary herb Tarragon.
Plant care & info
Genus: Artemisia
Common Names: Depending on the variety, wormwood; mugwort; sagebrush.
Origin: This very large genus is distributed widely throughout the world.
Artemisias prefer full sun in very well-drained or sandy soil on the dry side.
Most ornamental Artemisias are herbaceous perennials that die back in the winter, but some are semi-evergreen. In this case, prune to remove dead material and to shape in early spring, after new growth begins. Avoid cutting plants back to the ground or too severely, as this can stunt plants or even kill them. A light, midseason shearing helps keep all varieties compact and will encourage bushier, denser growth.
Attracts butterflies, deer resistant. Many varieties have fragrant foliage. Good cut flowers. Drought tolerant.
Artemisias are not often bothered by pests or diseases, although aphids can colonize some species such as Artemisia absinthium. Rust or powdery mildew can occur, generally when plants are grown in heavy or water-retentive soils.
Most Artemisias are easily propagated from stem or root cuttings, and many from seed.
Although definitely sun-loving plants, Artemisias are perfectly at home in a moon garden, where the silvery leaves catch the pale evening light. In her book Gardening at the Dragon’s Gate, Wendy Johnson evokes their subtle magic:
“All the Artemisia plants in the garden are under the dominion of Artemis, Greek goddess of the moon and of the hunt, and guardian of the sovereign chastity of those who choose to travel in her band of solitaries. The plants of Artemis all carry her unmistakable signature: finely cut silver foliage, acrid scent, and abidingly bitter taste. All light a path through the midnight copse, welcoming night hunters home to the garden.”
Like their namesake, the solitary huntress of mythology, Artemisias prefer to be more or less left alone. As long as they are planted in a sunny spot with very well-draining soil, they require little from the gardener. A trim here and there in the summer to clean up rangy foliage and encourage a denser habit will keep them looking nice. Regular fertilizer is not necessary, but a drink of compost tea or fish emulsion once in the spring may be beneficial.
The notable fragrance of Artemisia leaves range from delightfully sweet or pungent, to a camphor-like, medicinal odor. This is due to the presence of oils and compounds which have been used for centuries in various medicinal and herbal applications. Wormwood, for instance, was known as a vermifuge, flea repellant, and bittering agent. It was also used as a women’s tonic and cure for sea-dragon bite.
Artemisias blend well with many different kinds of sun-loving perennials or shrubs, but especially those with similar drought tolerance such as coneflowers, rock rose, heathers, etc. They blend especially well with blue and white tones. Try adding a Silver mound or a White Mugwort to an area planted with bright blue Lithodora and pure white Dianthus or Baby’s Breath for a lovely effect, especially at twilight.
Often referred to as sages or sagebrush, Artemisias are not to be confused with true or herbal sages in the genus Salvia.
Explore More Artemisia
Wormwood
Artemisia Absinthium: Wormwood
Silvery, fragrant perennial herb in zones 4-9. Grows 4+ feet tall and wide in full sun. Has been used for various medicinal purposes, and commonly used to flavor absinthe and vermouth. Self-seeds.
Sweet Annie
Artemisia Annua: Sweet Annie
Wonderfully fragrant annual herb used for dried arrangements, to repel moths and contains an anti-malarial compound. Grows 5’ tall 2-3’ wide. It may reseed.
French Tarragon
Artemisia Dracunculus: French Tarragon
A tender perennial reaching 1-2′ tall and wide. Requires very well drained soil. Propagated only by cuttings. Popular culinary herb with a slight licorice flavor
Guizhou
Artemisia Lactiflora ‘Guizhou’
Architectural purple stems contrast with dark green leaves and white flowers. Grows 5′ tall 3′ wide in full sun. Perennial in zones 4-10
Western Mugwort
Artemisia Ludoviciana: Western Mugwort
Striking lance-shaped, silvery-white leaves. Grows 2’ tall and can spread wider by runners. Varieties include ‘Silver King’ and ‘Valerie Finnis’.
Silver Mound
Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’
Low-growing to 12″ tall and 12-18″ wide. Fabulous soft & fuzzy silver leaves. Great as a ground cover or in containers.
Beach Wormwood
Artemisia Stelleriana: Beach Wormwood
Low, spreading perennial with pretty, velvety silver-white, scalloped leaves
Perennial in zones 5-10, but does not like wet winter soils
‘Silver Brocade’ is the most popular cultivar. 12” tall and wider
Great in containers and rock gardens
Mugwort
Artemisia Vulgaris: Mugwort
A tall perennial with lacy foliage, growing to 5’ tall or more and 3’ wide. It spreads prolifically by seed and can be quite aggressive in zones 3-10.
Powis Castle
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’
Forms a bushy mound of soft, silvery foliage. A woody perennial growing 2-3′ tall and wide in zones 6-10. Shear back lightly in summer to keep it looking fuller.
