How to Grow Silver King Artemisia
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Silver King Artemisia
Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver King'
shrubSilver King Artemisia is a hardy perennial shrub prized for its finely textured, silvery-white foliage that creates striking contrast in gardens. It produces small, insignificant greenish-yellow flowers, but is grown primarily for its attractive, feathery leaves and architectural form. This vigorous, drought-tolerant plant is excellent for borders, containers, and dried arrangements.
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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 18≈ 1 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; most vigorous in zones 4-8
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Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plants develop their characteristic silvery, deeply lobed foliage. Growth is relatively slow in the first season.
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Pinch back tips to encourage branching and a fuller, more compact form. Protect from excessive winter moisture.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through summer, several monthsPlant develops dense, mounding habit with increasingly silvery-white, finely divided foliage. Stems become woody and woody at base.
Water sparingly; drought conditions enhance foliage color. Fertilize minimally or not at all. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and prevent legginess.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (summer to early fall)Small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow or pale tan flowers appear in terminal panicles, typically from mid-summer onward.
Flowers are not ornamental and can be removed for a cleaner appearance. Some gardeners deadhead to redirect energy, though it's optional.
Dormancy
Late fall through early spring, 3-4 monthsPlant enters dormancy in late fall or early winter. Foliage may persist but growth stops; stems harden and lignify.
Reduce watering significantly. Do not fertilize. Avoid cutting back in fall—wait until early spring to prune dead wood and remove winter-damaged stems.
Renewal
2-4 weeksIn early spring, new growth emerges from the base and along branches. The plant rejuvenates vigorously.
Cut back winter-damaged wood and any excessively long stems to 6-12 inches to encourage a fuller, more compact form. This is the best time to divide or propagate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use horticultural oil or neem oil in severe cases. Improve air circulation to prevent infestations.
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Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering frequency. Remove and discard severely affected plants. Improve soil drainage with sand or perlite.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur-based fungicide if severe. Resistant cultivars may be preferred in humid climates.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
Uses
Dried Arrangements & Crafts
HouseholdSilver King's silvery-white foliage is exceptional in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts. The feathery texture and neutral color pair beautifully with other dried botanicals and dried flowers. [source]
Herbal Tea & Traditional Use
CulinaryArtemisia ludoviciana has been used in traditional herbal medicine as a digestive aid and to support women's health. Leaves can be brewed into a mild tea, though it is quite bitter and should be used sparingly. [source]
Pollinator & Native Plant Support
WildlifeWhile not a major nectar source, Silver King provides cover and habitat for beneficial insects and small wildlife. Native to western North America, it supports regional pollinators and is valuable in native plant gardens. [source]
Garden Design & Foliage Contrast
HouseholdThe silvery-white foliage brightens garden beds, creates striking color contrast with darker foliage plants, and provides visual interest year-round. It is especially valuable in moonlight gardens and silver-themed designs. [source]
Insect Repellent Properties
MedicinalArtemisia plants historically have been used to deter insects and pests. The leaves contain aromatic volatile oils that may help repel mosquitoes and other unwanted insects in garden and household settings. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest foliage for dried arrangements in mid-to-late summer before or just as flowers appear—the silvery color is most vibrant. Cut stems with sharp scissors in the morning. Hang bundles upside-down in a warm, airy location (2-3 weeks to dry completely). The dried foliage retains its color and texture for many months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Silver King Artemisia is native to western North America and has been cultivated since the 1930s; the 'Silver King' cultivar was selected for its exceptional foliage color and compact habit.
- 🌱 The plant's silvery appearance is due to fine, hair-like structures (trichomes) on the leaf surface that reflect light, helping it conserve water in arid conditions—a perfect adaptation to drought.
- 🌱 Despite its delicate, feathery appearance, Silver King is extremely hardy and can survive temperatures well below -30°F; it is one of the most cold-tolerant ornamental foliage plants available.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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