Artemisia 'Silver Mound'

Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound': Whispering Silver in the Sun

Soft and cloud-like, Artemisia 'Silver Mound' is known for its finely textured, silvery foliage that forms a neat, low mound in the garden. The foliage shimmers in sunlight, offering a gentle contrast to bold blooms and structured perennials. Loved for its cool tone and tidy habit, it holds its form beautifully through summer, adding movement and elegance to hot, dry beds without demanding attention.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm, forming a rounded, feathery clump
• Flower Colour: Inconspicuous; grown for foliage
• Flowering Period: Summer (if unpruned, though often removed to preserve form)
• Foliage: Silvery-grey, soft, thread-like and aromatic
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil; drought-tolerant

Uses and Benefits: Artemisia 'Silver Mound' is ideal for edging sun-filled borders, softening pathways, or introducing a cooling tone among summer-bright perennials. Its compact form and resilience in heat and poor soils make it a dependable accent in xeriscapes, gravel gardens, and alpine settings. It’s deer-resistant, low maintenance, and a quiet workhorse in design, unifying bold compositions with a silvery touch.

Companion Plants: Pair with the vivid magenta blooms of Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry', the steel-toned blades of Festuca 'Buddy Blue', and the chartreuse-edged rosettes of Sedum 'Lime Zinger' for a sun-loving mix of cool textures and eye-catching contrast.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil; avoid heavy or wet conditions. Shear lightly after flowering or if the mound begins to open in midsummer to restore its shape. Water sparingly once established and avoid excess fertilization. Divide every few years to maintain its compact form.

History: A garden favourite for decades, Artemisia 'Silver Mound' is a selection of Artemisia schmidtiana, a species native to Japan. Its fine texture, adaptability, and subtle beauty have made it a staple in dry gardens and classic border designs alike.

Final Thoughts: Elegant in its simplicity, Artemisia 'Silver Mound' brings light, movement, and softness to sunny plantings—proof that subtle structure can speak volumes.