Silver Mound, scientifically known as Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’, offers a striking visual appeal with its dense, silvery-gray foliage and naturally mounding growth habit. This perennial plant is often chosen for its low-maintenance characteristics and its ability to add texture and brightness to garden beds. Propagation is a rewarding method to expand your collection, rejuvenate existing plants, and create new plants cost-effectively.
When and Why to Propagate Silver Mound
Propagating Silver Mound is most successful when the plant experiences less environmental stress. Optimal periods are early spring, after the last frost but before intense summer heat, or early fall, at least four to six weeks before the first hard frost. These windows allow newly propagated plants sufficient time to establish a robust root system in moderate temperatures. Propagation increases the number of plants in a landscape without additional expense, filling out garden spaces or creating new design elements. It also rejuvenates older, leggy, or overgrown Silver Mound plants, restoring their vigor and maintaining their desirable compact form.
Propagating Silver Mound by Division
Propagating Silver Mound through division is a straightforward and effective method for established plants. Water the parent plant thoroughly a day before dividing to reduce transplant shock. Carefully dig around the entire plant, lifting the root ball from the soil with minimal disturbance using a garden fork or spade.
Once out of the ground, gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Each new division must have a healthy portion of roots and some foliage for successful growth. For dense root systems, a clean, sharp knife or spade may be necessary. Replant these divisions immediately at their original depth. Firm the soil gently around the new plants and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Propagating Silver Mound by Cuttings
Propagating Silver Mound from stem cuttings is another effective way to create new plants. Select healthy, non-flowering stems, typically four to six inches long, from the current season’s growth. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, where new roots are most likely to form. Remove any leaves from the bottom one to two inches of the cutting, exposing the nodes.
Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone powder can significantly improve success, though it is not strictly required. Insert cuttings into a well-draining rooting medium, such as perlite and peat mix, or coarse sand. Cover the planted cuttings with a clear plastic bag or propagation dome to create a humid environment, ensuring the plastic does not touch the foliage. Place the container in bright, indirect light, and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. New growth or gentle resistance when tugging indicates successful root development, typically within a few weeks.
Caring for Newly Propagated Silver Mound
Newly divided or rooted Silver Mound plants require specific care for successful establishment. Consistent moisture is necessary during the initial weeks; keep the soil evenly damp but never soggy to prevent root rot. Monitor soil moisture daily, adjusting watering frequency based on conditions.
Place newly propagated plants in bright, indirect light initially. Over one to two weeks, gradually acclimate them to more direct sunlight, moving them to their permanent full-sun location. Providing shelter from strong winds or intense afternoon sun during establishment can reduce stress. Once new foliage is visible and plants show firm resistance when gently tugged, they are well-established and can be cared for like mature specimens.