Artemisia alba Canescens

Artemisia alba 'Canescens', also known as Artemisia splendens or Artemisia armeniaca, is a small-sized artemisia that forms a beautiful ground cover. Its silvery, aromatic foliage, with a curly appearance, is semi-evergreen and takes on a surprising purplish hue in winter when it is not too harsh. This little fluffy ball that bounces light is very soft to the touch. Its summer flowering is insignificant. This is a very hardy plant, resistant to drought, and excellent when combined in flower beds, where its design brings life to every garden.

Artemisia 'Canescens' is a type of plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It grows in dry to semi-arid temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere and is known for its woody, low and bushy habit. The plant can reach up to 40 cm (16 in) in all directions and has silvery, highly dissected leaves that are shiny when the soil is dry. This characteristic is found in all "grey" plants that trap nighttime dew in the tiny hairs that cover the foliage. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, and the plant blooms yellow-brown flowers in late summer.

Artemisia alba 'Canescens' is a plant that can tolerate drought but not humidity, especially in winter. It is best planted in autumn to establish itself before winter. The plant prefers light, well-draining soil, rocky, clayey, heavy soil, and alkaline soils (pH>7.5). It requires full sun and a relatively open space to thrive. The plant should be lightly pruned in spring to stimulate growth and densify the bush. If you need to move the plant, it's best to do so in winter.

The Silver Artemisia is an evergreen plant that retains attractive foliage all year round. It can be mixed with flower beds of slightly wild perennials like lavender, rosemary, gauras, yarrows, officinal sage, and the Giant Sea Holly (Eryngium giganteum). When paired with purple foliage and old pink flowers like those of sedum 'Matrona' or 'Stewed Rhubarb Mountain,' the contrast is very pleasing. This plant is suitable for dry or weekend gardens that require minimal maintenance.

Artemisia is a genus of plants dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting, nature, and fertility. It's said that she used these plants, whose numerous medicinal properties are now recognised, to relieve the pain of childbirth.