Family Asteraceae
Originating from the Mediterranean
- Dense, compact, low-growing evergreen shrub with soft, finely cut silver foliage.
- Used as a foliage plant, contrasting with dark foliage species; yellow flowers bloom infrequently.
- Thrives in free-draining soil and full sun, ideal for pots and rockeries.
Soft, finely cut silver foliage forms a dense, irresistibly tactile mound-forming shrub, soft in shape and leaf. The aromatic Mediterranean Tree Wormwood’s delicately cut leaves are packed with essential oils. Reaching 1m tall and wide in 5-10 years, its foliage creates a striking display and its occasional yellow flowers on upright stems add a subtle bonus.
This low-care shrub excels in full sun, perfect for small gardens and Norfolk and Suffolk’s gravel seaside planting schemes. Its shimmering foliage enhances contemporary and Mediterranean designs, pairing boldly with dark foliage and flowering plants. The compact form suits rockeries, borders, and patio displays.
Reliably hardy in southern and coastal areas, it grows in any free-draining soil and needs minimal maintenance. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, its silver foliage thrives in the coastal UK’s sunny, dry conditions. In colder central/northern gardens, protect from winter wet to preserve its evergreen mounds.
Care Tips for Artemisia arborescens
- Soil & Sun: Plant in free-draining soil. Full sun is essential; avoid shade or heavy soil.
- Planting: Space at 1m intervals if planting in drifts, in borders or rockeries. Add gravel to improve drainage unless you have sandy soil. Increase pot sizes after 2 seasons to allow it to reach its full potential size.
- Watering: Water regularly in dry conditions during its first season. Established plants tolerate drought.
- Pruning: Trim lightly in spring to shape. Cut back straggly growth to maintain compact form.
Artemisia arborescens adds shimmering silver foliage to your garden. Its dense, evergreen form makes the perfect mid-border plant amongst other species tolerant of the exposed climate typically found in North Norfolk’s coastal gardens. Its leaves’ aromatic essential oils are released when brushed, perfect for pathside planting in Suffolk’s sun-drenched gravel gardens, patios, in pots, or rockeries. This bold shrub enhances contemporary and Mediterranean designs with tactile, evergreen contrast.
Planting Suggestions for the Tree Wormwood
Plant this variety with its close relatives Artemisia ‘Makana Silver’ and ‘Powis Castle’, Eryngiums variifolium, and ‘Picos Amethyst’ to create a Mediterranean lacy, silvery, spiky landscape. Contrast this celebration of silver with Agapanthus ‘Poppin Purple’, ‘Northern Star’, and ‘Lapis’, accentuating their rich blues and purples.
Alternatively, make a monochrome masterpiece with Phormium ‘Black Velvet’, Euphorbia epithymoides ‘Bonfire’, and Albizia julibrissin ‘Chocolate Fountain’. These are just a few examples of the textural, tonal, and colour effects at the disposal of Urban Jungle customers. Explore the possibilities at our garden centres in Beccles, Suffolk, and Costessey, Norfolk.
For further reading about this indispensable species, go to:https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia+arborescens
