Powis Castle (Artemesia arborescens)

Vital Facts: Artemisia Powis Castle is a nice graceful semi-evergreen drought tolerant shrub 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide with feathery silver foliage and inconspicuous yellow flowers in late summer. Other Artemisia’s are also deer resistant and include the smaller Angel Hair, and medium sized Silver Mound.

Growing conditions: It prefers full sun and fast-draining or sandy soil. Make sure to amend your clay soil and not to plant in an area where water pools in the winter. Makes a good edging and/or fill in plant for herb and lavender gardens.

A few fun facts: “The whole group of artemesia’s are remarkable for the extreme bitterness of all parts of the plant: 'as bitter as Wormwood' is a very Ancient proverb. According to the Ancients, Wormwood counteracted the effects of poisoning by hemlock, toadstools and the biting of the seadragon. The plant was of some importance among the Mexicans, who celebrated their great festival of the Goddess of Salt by a ceremonial dance of women, who wore on their heads garlands of Wormwood.”-A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M.Grieve.

Helpful Hints: Cut back in late winter to keep bushy and full for next spring. To best set off its silver color, use with contrasting colors including Lavenders, Sages and Germanders.  Other complementary plant companions include native lupines, native California fuschia, and native bunch grasses.