Artemisia 'Powis Castle' is a vigorous finely textured shrubby perennial with aromatic silver gray foliage that forms a dense rounded mass. While it rarely flowers, its stunning foliage provides contrast and structure throughout the growing season. The plant is drought tolerant and thrives in heat making it a striking filler in borders, gravel gardens, and dry landscapes.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers; primarily grown for foliage
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or gravelly soils
Watering Needs: Low; very drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Highly deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
This is a cultivated hybrid of uncertain origin, likely between Artemisia arborescens and Artemisia absinthium, and is not native to North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Its aromatic foliage can help deter some pests and may provide cover for predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to accommodate its wide, mounding form and allow airflow.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent as a foliage accent in dry borders, Mediterranean gardens, and massed plantings where its silvery tone offsets colorful companions.
Companion Plants
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Shares aromatic foliage and drought tolerance with complementary purple flower spikes.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Adds vertical texture and lavender blooms that harmonize with Artemisia’s fine foliage.
- Salvia nemorosa (Wood Sage) - Offers bold upright purple flowers that contrast well with Artemisia’s airy form.
- Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - Provides flat flower heads in a range of colors and thrives in similar dry, sunny conditions.
- Stachys byzantina (Lambs Ear) - Complements with silver foliage and adds soft texture to gravel or border gardens.