PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes the brightest silvery foliage color; tolerates hot, dry conditions but avoids dense, prolonged shade
Watering
Allow the top 5–7 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates summer heat up to 35°C; avoid prolonged, unprotected frost exposure in late winter
Characteristics
- Leaf: Silvery-gray, finely dissected aromatic foliage with dense, soft woolly pubescence
- Flower: Small, pale yellow, clustered in terminal panicles; not visually prominent
- Stem: Slender, silvery-green stems with persistent white fuzzy covering
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues
Fertilization
Apply a diluted, balanced organic feed once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can reduce the silvery foliage color intensity
Eggshell powder topdressing：Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed, dried eggshells around the base of the plant; do not mix directly into soil to prevent pH elevationPruning
- Deadhead spent flower heads in early autumn to prevent unwanted self-seeding
- Cut back the entire plant to 10 cm above soil level in late winter to encourage fresh, dense new growth
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains thujone, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors in severe cases
Humans: Contains thujone; ingestion of large quantities may cause mild nausea, dizziness, or gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in traditional Caucasian folk medicine for mild digestive complaints; valued in gardens for its contrasting silvery foliage
Usage: Ornamental border plant, rock garden groundcover, aromatic herb for craft and folk remedies
