Artemisia ludoviciana Silver Queen (White Sage)

Grown for its magnificent foliage, Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Queen' (White Sage) is an upright spreading herbaceous perennial forming a bushy clump of lance-shaped, silvery leaves with deeply cut jagged margins. Aromatic when bruised, the leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), are white-woolly and keep their striking color throughout the season. They add light and contrast to the landscape and combine well with almost everything. Erect plumes of tiny, yellow-gray flowers appear in summer, but they have little ornamental value and should be removed as they appear.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-4 in. wide (90-120 cm). This plant may spread aggressively by rhizomes and by self-seeding.
• Thrives in poor to moderately fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Excellent soil drainage is essential. White Sage can die back in heavy, poorly-drained soil.
• Focal point as a single specimen. Fits beautifully in beds and borders of perennial flowers and is a lovely addition to the herb garden or cottage garden.
• Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews. Drought, deer and rabbit tolerant!
• Cut back to base of plant in autumn.
• Remove flower heads as they appear to prevent self-seeding. Use soil barriers to help contain the rhizomatous spread.
• Propagate by division or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.