The Right Place
Most Artemisia varieties are hardy as far north as the Great Lakes region and northern New York and along the Atlantic coast into New England (zone 4). It is able to withstand winters where the temperature occasionally dips as low as -20°F.
Most plants with gray or silver foliage require full sun, and Artemisia is no exception. Because it needs soil that is on the dry side, it prefers sandy soil, or other types that drain well. They should be acid to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.0). Soggy, wet soil, especially over the winter, causes plants to rot.
Planting Nursery Stock
Spring is the best time to plant. Buy young plants and site them singly or in groups of 3 about 12 inches apart. Plant when all danger of frost is past. Choose an overcast day or late afternoon time to plant so that the sun does not stress the young plants. Dig a hole slightly larger than the seedling container. Coax each plant from its container and pop it into its hole. Press soil gently over the roots and water.
Do not fertilize until the Artemisia is well established, possibly until next spring.
Propagation
The easiest way to acquire more Artemisia plants is to divide an existing one. These plants spread quickly by means of creeping underground roots. Spring is a good time to divide overlarge plants by digging up the clump of roots. With a sharp knife or spade, cut down through the massed roots, breaking them into chunks of smaller plants. Replant the small chunks at least 12 inches apart.
