perennial RHS Award

Silvermound Wormwood

Artemisia schmidtiana

The Story

Plant Bio

A hardy perennial known for its aromatic foliage and yellow flowers.

This species is valued for its drought resistance and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesArtemisia schmidtiana adds a silvery hue and texture to borders and rock gardens, thriving in drought conditions.
Practical UsesIts drought tolerance makes it ideal for xeriscaping, reducing water needs.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat for beneficial insects and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select well-draining soil with low to moderate fertility.
  2. Tuck seeds just below soil surface and water gently.
  3. Place in full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
  4. Maintain consistent moisture, avoiding overwatering.
  5. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding after emergence.
  6. Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Allow ample sunlight and ensure excellent drainage for healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water moderately during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune back after flowering to encourage bushiness
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers
  • Never disturb roots during flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver-foliaged border plantLow-maintenance groundcoverDrought-tolerant accent in rock gardens

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silvermound Wormwood questions

What zones can Silvermound Wormwood grow in?

Silvermound Wormwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Silvermound Wormwood deer resistant?

Yes — Silvermound Wormwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Silvermound Wormwood bloom?

Silvermound Wormwood typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Silvermound Wormwood need full sun?

Silvermound Wormwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Silvermound Wormwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Silvermound Wormwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Silvermound Wormwood with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.