Artemisia schmidtiana – 'Silver Mound'

Botanical name: Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound'
Common name: Artemisia 'Silver Mound'

Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound' is a perennial wormwood variety, highly valued for its silvery, silky foliage that forms a beautiful compact cushion. Perfect for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover, this plant adds a bright and decorative touch throughout the year. Its fast growth and low maintenance make it an ideal choice for dry, sunny, and well-drained gardens. It is also resistant to difficult conditions, including drought and poor soils.

Characteristics

Type: Perennial plant

Height: 30 to 40 cm

Foliage: Fine, silvery, soft to the touch, forming a dense ball

Flowering: Not very visible, small yellow flowers in summer, but the beauty lies mainly in the foliage

Taste: Inedible (decorative plant)

Exposure: Full sun

Hardiness: Very hardy (up to -20°C)

Maintenance

Soil: Light, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile

Watering: Low — tolerant to drought once well established

Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or spring to encourage compact, neat growth

Cultivation: Ideal for rockeries, borders, dry beds, or as ground cover

Propagation: By dividing clumps in spring or autumn, or by cuttings

Advantages

• Unique silvery foliage that adds light and contrast to the garden

• Drought-resistant, ideal for rock gardens and dry areas

• Compact plant, perfect for borders or as ground cover

• Very hardy, ideal for cold regions

• Low maintenance, ideal for minimalist gardens or beginners