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Wormwood: Artemisia Powis Castle

Well suited to dry, sunny areas of the garden, 'Powis Castle' produces a bushy mound of soft, lacy, silver foliage. The perfect foil for vibrant annual and perennial blooms, it fills the middle of the border with a splash of color and texture. Wormwood is easy to care for and tolerates extreme summer heat but resents high humidity.

Profile

Plant typeperennial
Hardiness zones6 to 8
Lightfull-sun
Height up to 2 ft.
Spread up to 3 ft.
Habitbushy
Soil pHalkaline-pH7.0-7.5
Soil moisturedry
Flower coloryellow
Bloom size6 in. to 6 in.
Foliage colorsilver
Foliage size2.5 in. to 2.5 in.

did you know?

Plants of the genus have been used for medicinal purposes since the Middle Ages. In fact, the common name wormwood stems from its use as a cure for intestinal worms.

general maintenance:

Prune or cut back to near ground level in spring. Remove flowers as they appear to promote foliage growth.

pests/diseases:

Artemisia is relatively carefree given adequate drainage.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil. Set plants out at a distance equal to their mature spread. Water after planting and mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture throughout the growing season. Fertilization will make plant leggy and should be avoided.

garden hint:

Well-drained soil is the key to success. Wet winter soil may rot and kill the plants. Mulch with evergreen boughs to provide winter protection in Zone 6.

features:

  • Deer Resistant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Fragrant

garden uses:

  • Containers
  • Flowerbed borders
  • Rock Garden

other uses:

  • Everlasting (>leaves are good for pressing)

combine with:

other silver foliage plants like cornflower 'Black') and lamb's ear or use it as a foil for dahlias and bell flower

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