Deciduous Perennial Mounded, Cushion-Like in the Asteraceae Family
One of the most popular silver-foliage perennials — a soft, silky, aromatic cushion of finely cut leaves, perfect for edging paths and borders.
Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound' is one of the most popular silver-foliage perennials, forming a soft, silky cushion of finely cut, aromatic silver leaves. Native to Japan, it stays neatly mounded and compact, making it a favorite for edging paths and borders where its fine texture can be appreciated up close. Tiny yellow flowers appear on nodding heads in mid-to-late summer but are ornamentally insignificant; many gardeners shear them off to keep the foliage looking its best. Unlike some other Artemisia, it spreads by clump rather than by invasive underground runners, and tolerates poor, dry soil with ease.
Pros
Soft, silky, finely cut silver foliage — one of the most popular silver-foliage perennials
Aromatic leaves; deer- and rabbit-resistant
Tolerates poor, dry soil and salt; low water needs once established
Does not spread by invasive underground runners, unlike some other Artemisia
Cons
Can flop open or decline in hot, humid summers — performs best north of zone 7
Benefits from division every 2-3 years to stay vigorous
Occasional powdery mildew in poor air circulation
Flowers are insignificant; many gardeners shear them off
Highlights
One of the most popular silver-foliage perennials, prized for its soft, silky, finely cut mound — a classic choice for edging paths and borders.
Plant Data
Mature Size
8 - 12 inches
tall. 10 - 16 inches
wide.
Growth Rate
Moderate
Sun Exposure
Full Sun - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance
Dry - Medium:
Tolerant of poor, dry soil and drought once established; excellent drainage is essential — avoid consistently wet soil.
Zones
3a - 7b
(Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags
Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Dry, Full Sun, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Medium, Perennial, Potentially Allergenic, Rabbit Resistant, Tolerant of Hot Dry Site
Pairs well with sun-loving companions such as coreopsis, salvia, and ornamental grasses — the soft silver mound makes a good textural and color contrast next to bolder flowers.
We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!
Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants
Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.
Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.
Estimated Recipe Cost
The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.
Benefits of Membership
Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:
The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
"No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!
Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.
Already a member?
Login
No Pricing or Availability Right Now
We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region.
It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.
Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!