How to Grow Silvery Lace
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Silvery Lace
Artemisia stelleriana
herbSilvery Lace is a ornamental artemisia prized for its finely dissected, feathery silver-white foliage that creates an airy, lace-like texture in gardens. This low-growing perennial is drought-tolerant and pest-resistant, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens, rock gardens, and sunny borders. It produces small yellow flowers in late summer, though the silvery foliage is its primary ornamental feature.
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Example Silvery Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Silvery Lace
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 Silvery Lace
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 3-9, particularly well-suited to zones 4-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny silvery-green seedlings with first true leaves appearing delicate and feathery
Keep soil barely moist but not wet; provide bright light; thin seedlings to prevent crowding; avoid overwatering which causes damping-off
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plants developing the characteristic lacy foliage; silvery color intensifies; growth is compact and low-growing
Water moderately as plants establish root systems; reduce watering frequency after 4-6 weeks; apply light mulch (gravel preferred) around base; avoid heavy fertilizers
Vegetative
Throughout growing seasonMature mounding form with dense, finely dissected silvery-white foliage creating the distinctive lace-like appearance; typically 12-18 inches tall and wide
Water only during extended drought periods; no fertilizer needed; avoid overhandling foliage; allow dry periods between waterings; shear lightly after flowering if shape maintenance is desired
Flowering
8-12 weeks (late August through October)Small, insignificant yellow button-like flowers appear on thin stems above the foliage in late summer through early fall
Flowers are secondary to foliage; deadhead if desired to encourage denser leaf growth, though flowers add texture and are attractive to pollinators; flowers persist into fall
Dormancy/Winter
Variable by climate; 3-6 monthsPlant dies back to ground level in cold zones or maintains foliage in milder climates; silvery color persists and provides winter interest
No watering needed in cold climates; do not prune back until spring when new growth appears; in mild zones, reduce water further and provide excellent drainage; foliage remains ornamental all winter
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering; remove affected plants; improve air circulation; consider fungicide treatment if severe
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Increase humidity with light misting if severe; prune affected foliage; use insecticidal soap or neem oil as last resort; rarely problematic in well-maintained plants
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Spray with water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; seldom requires intervention
Uses
Dried Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe silvery foliage and delicate flowers dry exceptionally well and retain their color and texture for months, making them ideal for dried bouquets, wreaths, and long-lasting decorative arrangements. [source]
Garden Design & Border Interest
CraftThe striking silvery foliage provides year-round textural contrast in gardens, working as an excellent edging plant, accent in rock gardens, or filler in perennial borders. The lace-like texture creates visual lightness and movement. [source]
Coastal Garden Suitability
HouseholdSilvery Lace thrives in coastal environments with salt spray and sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens where many ornamentals struggle. Its salt tolerance and drought resistance are ideal for beach properties. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe small yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, making this plant valuable for supporting pollinator populations while requiring minimal maintenance. [source]
Culinary Artemisia
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, Artemisia stelleriana is related to culinary artemisias and has been traditionally used to flavor beverages and as a bitter digestive herb in some cultures, though it is less commonly used than other artemisia species. [source]
Harvest Tips
Silvery Lace is primarily grown for ornamental foliage rather than harvest. Cut sprigs or small branches as needed for floral arrangements or dried flowers. Cut stems in morning after dew dries. Foliage and flowers dry beautifully for everlasting arrangements. Light pruning promotes bushier, fuller growth. Flowers can be cut when fully open for dried arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Silvery Lace is native to coastal regions of eastern Russia and Japan, where it evolved its remarkable ability to tolerate salt spray and sandy soils, making it perfect for modern seaside gardens.
- 🌱 The silvery appearance of the foliage comes from tiny hairs (trichomes) covering the leaf surface that reflect sunlight, reducing water loss in drought conditions and protecting against UV radiation.
- 🌱 This plant was historically used by Japanese gardeners and is sometimes called 'Japanese Silver Wormwood,' and it has become increasingly popular in contemporary garden design for its architectural foliage.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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