Artemisia 'Silver Queen'

Artemisia 'Silver Queen' is a western mugwort with a cool, luminous presence, bringing silvery poise to borders that need a little contrast and calm. Growing to around 90cm, it forms an elegant perennial clump of toothed, silvery-white leaves, each one catching the light beautifully and setting off neighbouring flowers with effortless good taste. The foliage is the real treasure of Artemisia 'Silver Queen', giving planting schemes a refined, almost moonlit quality from spring through summer. Occasionally, Artemisia 'Silver Queen' may produce plumes of small yellowish flowers, though it is the foliage that earns the admiring glances.

Plant Artemisia 'Silver Queen' in well-drained soil in a sunny position, where its pale leaves can develop their best colour and provide structure among softer perennials. It is particularly handsome with lavender, salvias, achillea, ornamental grasses and dusky pink or purple flowers, making brighter shades look more considered and pastels feel deliciously airy. The upright habit of Artemisia 'Silver Queen' gives borders a relaxed architectural note without becoming stiff, which is a useful trick in any garden. Drought tolerant once established and elegantly understated, Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Queen' is a superb choice for gardeners who appreciate foliage with style, substance and a quietly silvered flourish.