Care of the shrub Artemisia pedemontana or Silky Wormwood |
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The genus Artemisia, family Asteraceae, comprises 500 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to almost all continents. Some species are: Artemisia pedemontana, Artemisia californica, Artemisia arborescens, Artemisia afra, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia cana, Artemisia rigida. Common names: Silky Wormwood, Dwarf Wormwood. This species is native to southern Europe. They are small evergreen shrubs with a cushioned shape that reach 10 cm (3.9") in height. The abundant, small leaves make up attractive blue-gray foliage with silver accents. They produce yellowish flowers that have no decorative interest. They bloom from mid-spring to early summer. Silky Wormwood is used to cover slopes, in rockeries and alpine gardens or in pots and planters. It's especially suitable for limestone terrain. Artemisia pedemontana needs full sun exposure; frost tolerant. Dwarf Wormwood growns in poor, limestone and stony soils; the only indispensable condition is perfect drainage. Silky Wormwood is a low maintenance and drought resistant plant; water moderately in summer (every 15-20 days if it has not rained). The rest of the year they can keep up with the rains. Artemisia pedemontana is not usually pruned but can be trimmed slightly in late winter to give them a more compact look. Fertilization is not necessary. Dwarf Wormwood is not usually affected by pests and diseases if there is no excess watering. Silky Wormwood propagates by seed sown in early spring. |
Images of the shrub Artemisia pedemontana or Silky Wormwood |
 Artemisia pedemontana  Artemisia pedemontana |