Silver Mound (Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’) is a popular plant for landscaping. Its distinct silvery foliage and mounding growth habit make it visually appealing. This versatile perennial offers unique texture and color, enhancing outdoor spaces. It is a favorite among gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet striking plant.
Characteristics of Silver Mound
Silver Mound forms a compact, cushion-like mound, typically reaching 8 to 12 inches high and spreading 12 to 18 inches wide. The foliage is finely textured and silvery-gray, creating a soft appearance. This plant thrives in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes dense growth and maintains its mounding shape.
Good drainage is important for Silver Mound, as it prefers well-draining soil conditions, including chalk, clay, loam, or sand. It also demonstrates drought tolerance once established, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens. This perennial is resistant to deer and rabbits.
Landscaping Design Ideas
Silver Mound’s unique texture and color make it a versatile plant for various garden designs. Its compact, mounding form is ideal for use as an edging plant along pathways or garden beds, creating a soft, defined border. It also excels in rock gardens, where its silvery foliage provides a striking contrast against stones and other drought-tolerant plants. Mass plantings can create a cohesive, flowing visual effect across larger areas, acting as an attractive ground cover.
The silvery-gray leaves offer excellent visual contrast when paired with plants that have darker green or brightly colored foliage. Consider planting it alongside deep purple or bright yellow flowers to emphasize its cool tones and add vibrancy. It complements ornamental grasses, where its fine texture creates a dynamic interplay with more rigid forms. Silver Mound can also be used in containers, where its mounding habit allows it to spill over the edges, creating a cascading effect.
Planting and Care
Optimal planting time for Silver Mound is in spring. When preparing the planting site, ensure the soil has excellent drainage, as this plant is sensitive to overly wet conditions. Incorporating perlite or coarse sand can improve aeration and drainage in heavier soils. Plant the crown just below the soil line.
After planting, water thoroughly to help it establish, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and generally requires watering only during extended dry periods. Full sun, at least six hours daily, is important for maintaining its compact shape and preventing legginess. A light shearing in late spring or after any insignificant yellow blooms appear in mid-summer is beneficial to maintain its attractive mounding form. This plant generally requires minimal fertilization; rich soil or excessive nutrients can lead to floppiness.
Managing Common Challenges
One frequent issue with Silver Mound is the plant “splitting” or opening up in the center, particularly in humid environments or overly rich soil. To address this, ensure the plant is in very well-drained, even infertile, soil and receives ample airflow. Regular light shearing can help maintain its dense, mounded shape and prevent this splitting. If splitting occurs, dividing the plant every two to three years in spring or fall can rejuvenate it and maintain vigor.
Browning foliage or floppiness can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Silver Mound does not tolerate consistently wet roots, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and consider amending the soil with sand or perlite if drainage is insufficient. While generally disease-resistant, waterlogged conditions can make it susceptible to root rot. Ensuring proper soil conditions and avoiding over-fertilization are important preventative measures.