Artemisia is great to add to low-maintenance and waterwise gardens. The silvery foliage adds a touch of the Mediterranean to even the most landlocked gardens. Every type of Artemisia has its own character and foliage texture making it highly versatile to pair with formal or naturalistic plant types. The tall spires of Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ are spectacular at the back of a mixed perennial border filled with soft pastel colors, while the larger leaved and lower growing 'silver mound' is much more suited to grow in containers or as edging for a garden bed.
Photo by K M, unmodified, Flickr, copyright CC BY 2.0 DEED
All Artemisia species and varieties prefer the same garden conditions. Full sun, or at least 6 hours, of full sun exposure, well-draining soil that is moderately fertile and of average texture. Heavy, clay soils typically hold moisture long and will need to be amended well ahead of planting with layers of organic compost. Artemisia is a tough and reliable plant to grow in areas with high deer pressure.
They do not like the texture of the foliage or the sharp and bitter taste. Ornamental Artemisia is fully hardy in USDA growing zones 4-9 and fully evergreen in zones 7-9. Although this is a woody stemmed perennial, it can be pruned hard back early in the spring to remove winter-damaged branches and to refresh the overall shape.
Shrubs To Plant With Artemisia
Artemisia is at home in ornamental shrub and rose gardens to provide a bright contrast with deep green foliage. The silvery hue of its foliage looks great paired with other Mediterranean plants like lavender, thyme, sage, or rosemary. Shaded and dry locations under live oaks, Kousa dogwoods, ornamental sherries, or conifer evergreens are no problem for Artemisia. Once fully established the plants need little supplemental watering.
Photo by K M, unmodified, Flickr, copyright CC BY 2.0 DEED
The foliage texture of Artemisia contrasts well with other more informal flowering shrubs like butterfly bush, Spirea, Weigela, and Viburnum. Achieve a more formal and modern look by planting the lowest growing Artemisia as a ground cover in a zen-inspired garden with burgundy and green-hued Japanese maples, mugo pines, and delicately pruned Japanese holly.
Perennials To Plant With Artemisia
The lovely silvery foliage is a great addition to both hot-colored or pastel perennial mixed borders. Coneflower, red hot poker, Yucca, Russian sage, Yarrow, and bearded iris all come in loud, bright colors that are quickly grounded with a companion of silver. Cranesbill, lady’s mantle, Gaura, blazing star, Dianthus, and Japanese windflowers have pastel shades that seem to brighten and intensify when placed next to Artemisia’s silver foliage. Add Artemisia to a white and green flowered garden bed for an exciting boost.
Annuals To Plant With Artemisia
Annuals that look great around Artemisia are those that have strong foliage shapes along with hot flower colors. Lamb’s ear, sweet alyssum, Nicotiana, and petunias planted in a garden bed have a classic cottage garden look that is irresistible and will stay in bloom for months. Wax Begonia, moss rose, zinnia, and Mexican sunflowers are a long-lasting combination that provides long-lasting color and plenty of flowers for cutting and arranging.
Best Companion Plants For Artemisia in Containers
Artemisia is a great filler plant for container arrangements that looks fresh and clean all summer long. Virtually any warm-season annual or shallow-rooted perennial will be a good choice to plant as a contrast to Artemisia's interesting foliage. Petunias, coral bells, African daisies, Dracaena, Zinnia, and Mandevilla are interesting thriller plants that have intense colors and shapes. Add a few spillers like Ajuga, creeping jenny, ivy leaf geranium, sweet potato vine, or Dichondra to soften the edges of your container for a winning combination that can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Plants Not To Grow With Artemisia
Artemisia is not great for planting amongst other edible plants that it could be mistaken for such as mountain mint, caraway, or fennel. Tarragon is an edible form of Artemisia, but the ornamental types are toxic to humans and animals. Artemisia also inhibits the growth of fennel and anise when grown in the same container or area of a garden bed.
Best Plants To Grow With Artemisia
Grow Artemisia for its highly ornamental foliage and strong natural growth habit. Placed at the back of a perennial border, Artemisia can be used as a contrast or moderating element with many easy-to-grow plants. The stems make long-lasting additions to cut flower arrangements for a filler element and they look great in formal and informal container plantings.
Sources: Elizabeth C Miller Horticultural Library, University of Washington. www.dept.washington.edu/hortlib