How to Grow Silver King Artemisia
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Silver King Artemisia
Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver King'
shrubSilver King is a deciduous perennial shrub known for its striking silvery-white foliage that adds contrast and texture to garden landscapes. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant produces small yellowish flowers in late summer, though it is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage. It spreads vigorously via rhizomes and is valued in cottage gardens, xeriscapes, and as a backdrop plant.
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Example Silver King Artemisia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Silver King Artemisia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Silver King Artemisia
Around Apr 19≈ 2 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; extremely cold and heat hardy
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Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplants with limited silvery foliage; rapid rhizome development underground
Water regularly to encourage root establishment. Mulch lightly to retain moisture without creating wet conditions. Remove any flower buds to direct energy to foliage development.
Vegetative Growth
8-16 weeks per seasonPlant expands horizontally; silvery-white dissected foliage becomes denser and more prominent. Growth accelerates in spring and early summer.
Pinch back stems in early season to encourage bushier growth. Monitor spread as rhizomes expand. Divide if becoming too large. Reduce watering as drought tolerance increases.
Flowering
4-8 weeksTall spires of small, pale yellow or greenish flowers emerge from foliage in late summer (August-September); foliage may appear slightly less silvery as plant directs energy to flowering
Deadhead spent flowers to maintain foliage appearance and prevent excessive self-seeding. If grown primarily for foliage, remove flower stalks entirely.
Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage remains silvery through fall and winter in most zones. Plant dies back to ground level in colder zones (3-4); evergreen or semi-evergreen in warmer zones (8-9).
Cut back dead growth in early spring before new growth emerges (zone 3-7). In warmer zones, prune lightly to maintain shape. Remove any diseased stems.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray foliage with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Treat with sulfur spray or fungicide if needed. Remove affected foliage.
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Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater. Remove affected plants if severe. Improve soil drainage with amendments.
Uses
Fresh and Dried Florals
CraftSilver King's silvery foliage is highly valued in fresh and dried floral arrangements, providing elegant contrast and texture to bouquets and wreaths. It dries exceptionally well while retaining its color and structure. [source]
Fragrant Sachets and Potpourri
HouseholdThe aromatic foliage can be dried and used in sachets, drawer fresheners, and potpourri for its subtle, pleasant herbal scent. Dried leaves also repel some insects when placed in storage areas. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalArtemisia ludoviciana has been used in traditional herbal medicine by Native Americans and other cultures for digestive and respiratory support, though scientific evidence is limited. Modern use is primarily ornamental and aromatic. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe small flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators in late summer when other nectar sources may be scarce, supporting late-season pollinator populations. [source]
Ornamental Culinary Garnish
CulinaryWhile not commonly used in cooking, the silvery foliage makes an attractive non-edible garnish for plates due to its striking appearance, though it is primarily valued for ornamental purposes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut stems for fresh or dried arrangements anytime during the growing season. Cut foliage just above leaf nodes to encourage branching. For dried arrangements, cut in late summer before flowers fully open, then hang-dry upside-down in a warm, dry location. Foliage and flowers dry quickly and retain color well.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Silver King spreads aggressively via rhizomes and can quickly overtake garden beds; many gardeners recommend containing it within a barrier or growing it in pots to control its spread.
- 🌱 The plant's silvery appearance is due to fine hairs (trichomes) covering the leaf surface, which also help it reflect light and reduce water loss—an adaptation to hot, dry conditions.
- 🌱 Silver King has been used for centuries in traditional cultures; it is related to wormwood and mugwort, and the genus Artemisia was named after Artemisia II, a historical queen known for her devotion.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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