Artemisia ludoviciana Silver King ~ Mugwort, White Sagebrush

Artemisia ludoviciana Silver King grows 2 feet tall and spreads by underground rhizomes. The Artemisia Valerie Finnis selection is more compact, has broader foliage and more showy flowers. The flowers of either variety still don't look like much and I cut them off as they appear. Artemisia Silver King has very fragrant foliage. I like planting it near a pathway. Artemisia ludovicana is native to much of the desert Southwest including the Eastern portions of California. Artemisia Silver King grows best in full sun, but will spread into shady sections of the garden if left to its own devices. Artemisia Silver King will flop in the shade or if the soil is too well tended. Artemisia Silver King is drought tolerant, maybe even drought insistant as the roots are prone to rot if the soil becomes soggy. Artemisia Silver King is Winter hardy to zone 4 or 5, much colder than we are likely to see in most of our California gardens.