Artemisia absinthium
‘Lambrook Silver’
‘Lambrook Silver’ artemisia
compoSitae
Gray, deeply divided foliage; yellow flower
heads
2 ft. high; 2 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms August–September
Zones 4–9
pruning When half their mature
height (normally in early June), plants
can be pinched, or cut back by half,
and shaped with hedge shears to
reduce height and to prevent flopping
later in the summer. I usually cut off
the flower heads as soon as I see them
forming to better enjoy the silver
foliage. A second trim may be neces-
sary to keep plants looking good.
Plants that are allowed to flower
should be deadheaded to prevent seed
set, otherwise foliage will deteriorate
at the sake of seed production;
deadheads also add a tarnished look toplants. Neglected plants may be killed
if cut back too hard to old wood if no
new buds are breaking. It’s best to not
prune hard after August as plants may
not have time to harden for the winter.
‘Lambrook Silver’ artemisia is
semi-evergreen, so do not prune for
winter. When planting it is useful to
cut back or pinch new plants for fuller,
more compact first-year growth.
other maintenance Prefers poor,
well-draining, even dry soil with an
alkaline pH. It is an easy artemisia to
grow, and it doesn’t spread invasively
by underground runners like Artemisia
ludoviciana ‘Silver King’ and others.
Best artemisia for northern gardens if
good winter drainage is assured.
related plantS Artemisia stelleri-
ana ‘Silver Brocade’, also known as
‘Silver Brocade’ beach wormwood,
requires excellent drainage for
survival. Pinch plants to keep full and
to prevent flowering. If allowed to
bloom, deadhead before seed set. Cut
back to control spread. Deadleafing ofArtemisia absinthium
‘Lambrook Silver’