Artemisia ludoviciana (western mugwort) — Perennial herb

Overview

Artemisia ludoviciana is a perennial herb in the genus Artemisia, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Artemisia ludoviciana grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, naturalizing and xeriscaping. It is native to W US and Mexico.

About

Artemisia ludoviciana is an aromatic perennial herb with a sage-like fragrance, typically reaching about 1.0 m. It prefers full sun and suits sandy or loamy soils that drain freely. Use it where a drought-tolerant, naturalising species is required. Expect flowering from July to September.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Artemisia ludoviciana

About the genus

Artemisia is a large, diverse genus of plants belonging to the daisy family, Asteraceae, with almost 500 species. Common names for various species in the genus include mugwort, wormwood, and sagebrush.

Wikipedia contributors, "Artemisia (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Artemisia (plant)

In the garden

Artemisia ludoviciana belongs to the Asteraceae and originates from the western United States and Mexico. As a perennial herb it reaches roughly 1.0 m and carries a distinctive sage-like scent, making it noticeable in warm weather and useful where scent is part of the design. Plant in an open, sunny position; full sun exposure is recommended. The species favours sandy or loamy soils and performs best where soil drains well — it tolerates soils that remain only moderately moist so long as they are not waterlogged. In UK terms it carries an H7 rating, so it is fully hardy in British gardens; it is also listed for USDA zones 4–9. Use western mugwort in gravelly or dry-edge plantings, long herbaceous borders where a restrained, aromatic presence is needed, or for naturalising on banks and slopes. Its stature makes it suitable where a metre-high element is wanted without dense shading of neighbours. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer, and the plant’s scent and summer blooms can be expected to define its seasonal contribution. Expect flowering from July to September.