The key facts about the artemisia perennial

Artemisia's silver leaves are especially radiant in the soft light of early morning and at dusk. The frosty-looking foliage is a popular perennial and here are some little known facts about the plant and how to grow it.

These outstanding foliage plants come in a range of sizes, from 15 centimetres to one metre (six inches to three feet) tall, and can hug the ground or grow into shimmering, shrub-sized specimens. Artemisias thrive with little care provided they get plenty of sun and fresh air to keep their felt-textured leaves dry. Artemisia makes a fine partner for perennials with dark, smooth foliage because of its own texture. The grey leaves of artemisia are valuable for their calming effect when placed near flowers with bold "hot" colours.

Here is what you need to know when it comes to growing artemisia:

• Spring is the best time to set out container-grown specimens, planting them 30 to 60 centimetres (12 to 25 inches) apart, depending on the width of their spread when mature.
•  Enrich planting holes with sand and compost before setting in the plants.
• Add half the package recommendation of a balanced organic or controlled-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10.
• Water every few days for two to three weeks until the new plants begin to grow.
• Trim back the growing tips of the leaves about once a month through summer to keep plants compact and to encourage the development of new stems.
• Pests seldom bother aromatic artemisias, which are naturally repellent.

• Most artemisias root from stem cuttings taken in late summer, but it is far simpler to divide clumps in early spring.
• Dig a clump and pull its roots apart into two or three equal sections.
• Or dig just a bit from the outer edge of the clump, and replant immediately.

Variety is what makes artemisia so popular. Here some of the more common types:

• Silver Brocade (Z4) is a variety that grows 0.3 metres (one foot) tall and wide, and its deeply-cut leaves look much like those of annual dusty miller.
• Powis Castle (Z5) grows to 0.6 metres (two feet) and stands up well to humid summer heat provided it is kept trimmed to maximize air circulation around the plant.
• Silver Mound (Z4) is great for tight spots, edgings, or luminous highlights in rock gardens. It is heat- and cold-tolerant and has a low-lying profile with finely cut, lacy leaves.
• French Tarragon or A. dracunculus, is a famous edible artemisia. It is grown for its aromatic, green, willow-like leaves. French tarragon makes rapid growth in summer herb gardens, reaching one metre (three feet) in height. It is far superior to the similar Russian tarragon.

The artemisia has so many uses and so many looks that it can enhance any garden or yard. Follow the proper growing instructions and you can keep it going for years.