Native to the coastal sand dunes of Northeastern Asia and North America, Artemisia stelleriana is a remarkably tough perennial that thrives in sunny, dry environments with minimal care. It forms a sprawling, low-growing mat that stays easily protected beneath a blanket of snow during harsh winter conditions. Provided it has good drainage, it will emerge strong and pristine every spring.
What is remarkable about Artemisia stelleriana is its unusual, felted silver foliage that brings an exciting texture to any sunny border. In late summer, relaxed flower stems rise 20-30 cm above the leafy mat, with silver-fuzzy buds that open into unassuming, pale yellowish flower clusters right at the end of the growing season. In terms of garden design, Artemisia stelleriana creates a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover that functions brilliantly as a front-of-border accent or trailing edge along retaining walls. Alternatively, its low stature makes it an ideal filler for container displays, where it gracefully spills over the rim of a pot.
