General Culture:

Best grown in poor to moderately fertile, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Excellent soil drainage is essential for growing this plant well. Does poorly in moist to wet soils where plants are susceptible to root rot. Plant stems tend to lodge in summer, especially if grown in fertile soils and/or part shade. General foliage decline commonly occurs in high humidity summer climates such as the St. Louis area. Consider pinching back stems in late spring to reduce mature plant height. If foliage declines or stems flop in summer, plants may be sheared to revitalize. Also consider prompt removal of flower heads as they appear. SILVER KING may spread somewhat aggressively in the garden by rhizomes, though it appears to be more restrained than the species. Soil barriers may be considered if growing it in borders close to other valuable perennials.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Artemisia ludoviciana is native to the western United States including Missouri. It is commonly called white sage because of the appearance of its foliage: lance-shaped leaves (to 4” long) are silver-white, pubescent and somewhat sage-like in appearance. 'Silver King' is a compact cultivar that features leaves and stems that are somewhat more slender than the species. It is a generally upright perennial that is grown for its attractive foliage that adds texture and contrast to gardens. The tiny, somewhat inconspicuous, yellowish-gray, discoid flower heads (rays absent), which appear in dense panicles at the stem ends in summer, have little ornamental value. 'Silver King' typically forms a spreading clump of generally erect, non-woody stems to 36” tall, with the clumps creeping outward by rhizomes to 2-3’ wide. Foliage is aromatic when bruised. Species is also commonly called western mugwort. This plant is most commonly sold in the US as a cultivar but the Royal Horticultural Society lists the correct name as Artemisia ludoviciana subsp. mexicana var. albula and indicates that Silver King is a common name.