Artemisia arborescens Powis Castle

The 'Powis Castle' Arborescent Wormwood, also known as the 'Brass Band' Arborescent Wormwood or 'Faith Raven' Wormwood, is a superb perennial with a woody base that quickly takes on the appearance of a dense, fluffy ball woven with finely cut leaves of a pale, luminous grey with silver reflections. It is a highly decorative plant with evergreen foliage that is delightful to touch, leaving a camphor aroma on the fingers. In the garden, 'Powis Castle' is one of the best plants for creating contrasts with dark foliage and enhancing pastel or vibrant red blooms.

Artemisia 'Powis Castle' is a hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding of Artemisia absinthium, a perennial absinth native to Eurasia, and A. arborescens, an arborescent species native to the Mediterranean basin. Wormwoods belong to the Asteraceae family. The plant, as wide as it is tall, with a lovely rounded habit, quickly reaches a height of 80-90 cm (32-35in) at maturity. The foliage of this plant remains intact even during mild winters. It comprises finely cut leaves in thin strips measuring 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) in length. The beauty of this foliage is enhanced by the silver hairs that cover it and retain the dew. The flowering, which is of little interest, occurs from July to August and can be removed to allow the plant to grow denser. The inconspicuous yellow flowers are gathered in panicles 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12in) long, initially pendulous, then erect. 'Powis Castle' wormwood is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) for a brief period of time. It grows best in well-drained soil. If the plant's growth is damaged by cold weather, it can easily regrow from the base of the branches after a short pruning at the end of winter. 

This 'Powis Castle' variety performs better in maritime climates than in Mediterranean regions, which can be slightly too dry in summer. It is also sufficiently frost-resistant to be suitable for all temperate regions. It is ideal for white gardens, large rockeries and gravel gardens. You can combine different foliage and flowers in either contrasting or matching ways. Using white, grey, or silver foliage with other plants is a good way to avoid clashing. Stunning next to English roses and lilies, surprising with phormium and cannas, and wonderful with a large lavender bush, 'Powis Castle' is a masterpiece and an extraordinary asset in a border. It can also be grown in containers on the terrace or balcony. In cold regions, place it against a warm wall.