Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’: The Silvery Gem of the Garden
Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’, commonly known as Silver Mound Artemisia, Wormwood, Dusty Miller, or Ghost Plant, is a highly popular perennial valued for its striking, finely cut silver foliage. Native to Japan, this plant is a member of the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies, sunflowers, and asters. Its delicate appearance belies its toughness, making it a favorite among gardeners for use as a neutral spacer or framing plant.
Description
‘Silver Mound’ is a compact, semi-evergreen perennial that forms a ravishing, silky cushion of finely cut, aromatic silver foliage. The plant typically grows to a height of 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) and spreads to 10-16 inches (25-40 cm) wide. Although it produces tiny yellow nodding flower heads in mid to late summer, these are considered ornamentally insignificant and are best cut off to maintain the plant’s attractive foliage.
Care Instructions for Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’:
Silver Mound Artemisia is known for its low maintenance and drought tolerance, making it suitable for various garden settings. Here are detailed care instructions:
- Light: This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
- Soil: It prefers poor to moderately fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Excellent soil drainage is essential to prevent root rot. The plant is tolerant of poor soils, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they drain well.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: ‘Silver Mound’ does not require extra fertilization. In fact, it performs best in somewhat infertile soil. Overfeeding can lead to floppiness and a loss of its naturally mounded shape. If necessary, work a little compost into the soil in the spring.
- Pruning: Prune back in late spring to rejuvenate the plant and promote dense growth. If the plant starts to open up in the summer, it can be sheared back by half; new foliage will flush out quickly. Most gardeners also snip off the small flowers as soon as they appear to encourage the plant to focus on maintaining its attractive foliage.
Propagation
Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’ can be propagated through several methods:
- Division: This is the most common method. Every two to three years, dig up the clump in late fall or early spring. Use a shovel to gently separate the clump into two or three sections, teasing apart the roots with your fingers. Replant each section as a new plant.
- Cuttings: Take softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they establish roots.
- Seed Propagation: While less common, it is possible to propagate ‘Silver Mound’ from seed. Sow seeds in well-drained soil and keep moist until germination.
Special Features and Landscape Use
Silver Mound Artemisia is prized for several special features:
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its aromatic foliage is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand dry conditions, making it ideal for low-water gardens or xeriscape applications.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is pest-free and disease-resistant, with powdery mildew being the only occasional concern.
- Versatile Use: It serves as an excellent accent in borders, herb gardens, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style gardens. Its fine, silvery foliage contrasts beautifully with plants that have green foliage or vibrant flowers.
Common Issues
While ‘Silver Mound’ is easy to care for, gardeners may encounter a few issues:
- Floppiness: This is often caused by overwatering, excessive fertilization, or too much shade. Correct by pruning several inches from all stems and reducing water. Let the soil dry out thoroughly between waterings.
- Yellowing or Wilting Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Reduce watering immediately to help the plant recover.
Conclusion
Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’ is a silvery gem in the garden, offering a delicate appearance with its finely cut foliage and a robust nature that can withstand a variety of challenging conditions. Its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and resistance to pests make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether used as an edging plant, in mass plantings, or as part of a mixed border, ‘Silver Mound’ adds a touch of elegance and texture to any landscape.