Artemisia: Rooted in the Classics

Artemisia. It is considered the gift of Greek goddess Artemis, the eternally youthful outdoorswoman, at home in the wilderness, appearing as a strong protector... Remember her? 

Artemisia is a large genus of plants that are, like the goddess Artemis, very hard to faze. Plants within the genus grow in slightly different forms, with differing stem heights, coloration, and leaf cuts. The ones we gardeners know best are perennially silver-toned and fluffy with healthy foliage.

A favorite of mine is Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’. It is a plant with highly cut silver-gray foliage which has a light and feathery look. This foliage forms a mound that stays well-shaped even when temperatures soar. This perennial (Zones 3-9) keeps its cool, maintaining color, form, and overall health from spring through autumn.

Faring best in a bright spot in the garden, Artemisia schmidtiana nearly sparkles in the sunshine, especially when a few drops of water rest upon it to catch the light. But in spots where water is scarce, this strong plant holds its own just fine. While regular watering is necessary as it gets established, Silver Mound has a drought-tolerant nature which makes it ideal for areas where the sprays of an irrigation system or the stream of a handheld watering hose cannot easily reach. (This reminds me that the goddess Artemis is often depicted carrying a water jar… self-sufficient as can be and in need of no pampering.)

When pampering of the plant does occur in the form of too much water, fertilizer (not needed by Artemisia schmidtiana), or too long a respite from the sun, the result is that the plant’s stems may droop uncharacteristically. This may leave an exposed center in what was a well-shaped mound. Address this by holding back on water, ensuring excellent drainage, and transplanting in a sunnier location. If need be, trimming the plant down quite drastically can also help, with new growth appearing in good form. But a better course of action is to situate your Silver Mound in the right sunny spot to begin with, and then let it be self-sufficient and beautiful. (Are there parallels between this plant’s way of being and the nature of the goddess Artemis? I can see some.)

I like mounds of Artemisia schmidtiana in groupings of three. This tip that groupings of three or other odd numbers can lead to an attractive garden design is offered quite a bit. I have taken it to heart, and while I do not always purchase plants in triplicate, I do find that Silver Mound looks most impressive when grouped in multiples. I try to ensure that my Silver Mound beauties are spaced adequately, so that they do not meld into one another and take on the appearance of being one massive plant. Instead, I like the look of three lovely puffs of silvery gray, here, there, and everywhere in the garden. 

As Silver Mound matures, it can be divided to decorate even more ground in the garden. Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’ is especially easy to divide, with divisions at first looking a little ragged or lopsided, but then quickly filling out to look as good as the original plant. If there is any need to perfect the shape of the new plants along their way to maturity, then trimming is just fine.

In mythology, Artemis the goddess is said to consider deer to be very important creatures. In fact, she sometimes is depicted with a deer standing safely nearby. In nature, deer would not dream of disturbing Artemisia schmidtiana, the plant. Deer and rabbits typically steer clear of nibbling Silver Mound.

Now, personally, I like Artemisia schmidtiana plants in an old-fashioned display, serving as Cottage Garden beauties that can sit pretty at the front of a sun-drenched mix of plants. But I can picture Silver Mound looking equally great in a garden with a modern flair. It has a versatility I love.

Plant names are interesting: Sometimes it is nearly impossible to determine how plants got their names, and other times, the connections that can be made are numerous. It is easy to connect the Greek goddess Artemis with the silvery mounds of Artemisia schmidtiana, the plant with the strong and outdoorsy “nothing-can-bother-me” nature. If you decide to plant some, I am quite sure you will see what I mean... and perhaps agree that these strong and attractive plants are, in some ways, rooted in the Classics.