Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Queen'

Deciduous, clump-forming perennial growing to 90cm.

Attractive grey-white, willow-like leaves with jagged edges. Occasional plumes of insignificant, yellow flowers in autumn.

Best grown in poor to moderately fertile, dry soils in full sun. Excellent soil drainage is essential for growing this plant well. It performs poorly in moist to wet soils where plants are susceptible to root rot.

With suitable preparation and care, perennials will grow and flower well year after year. They benefit from a weed-free well-drained soil rich in organic material.

Prepare the planting site when soil is moist and easily worked, such as after the first rains in spring and autumn. Remove all weeds and incorporate bark, compost or other organic material. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual plant decline. In a well-planned border, the plants in flower should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding.

Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with general slow-release fertiliser. After this, apply organic fertiliser, such as blood and bone, at a handful per square metre, in spring. Avoid heavy, wet soils and overcrowded plantings. Good air movement keeps foliage dry; avoid overhead irrigation. Before planting, improve drainage by incorporating coarse gravel, such as GAP 40, into the planting hole. Artemisias hate wet conditions.

Stake plants at or near planting time to ensure the plants are not damaged and grow around the stakes.

Apply mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Cut stems to ground-level in autumn and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant.

This plant may require staking to hold up tall growth. In spring, insert four stakes in a rectangle around the plant. Tightly stretch soft netting around the stakes at a low level. As the plant grows taller, add another layer of netting as required. The netting won't be seen as the plant grows, but the plant will still be held upright.

Propagate by division in autumn. This plant grows rapidly, so can cover large areas quickly. Select an area of the plant to divide with a spade. Lift and chop through. Divide again with a spade if you wish to make the removed clump smaller. Replant immediately in the desired place. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base.

Control slugs and snails to prevent damage to tender young shoots.

Generally pest and disease-free but may be affected by powdery mildew.

TBC