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Artemisia maritima

sea wormwood

A subshrub with aromatic, deciduous feathery leaves reaching 60cm. The leaves are covered in hairs giving a soft silvery appearance and smell pleasantly medicinal. Flowers are spikes of small yellow-brown clusters developing in summer

Other common names
garden cypress
sea artemisia
see morewormseed
Synonyms
Seriphidium maritimum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Yellow Brown Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Artemisia can be shrubs, perennials or annuals, evergreen or deciduous, with usually grey, aromatic, often divided foliage and rather insignificant flower-heads

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Eurasia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun on well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate from seed or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning

Prune in spring to keep bushy

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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