Silver King shimmers in the sun
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In the world of dried flowers, Silver King Artemisia is invaluable used as filler in arrangements, a strong base for both wreaths and garlands, or simply as a silver highlight for your design. Not only is this Artemisia useful for dried creations but it is also a beautiful addition to the perennial garden and one of my personal favorites. Its striking silver foliage gradually rises during the growing season to frame surrounding plants and it offers a truly magnificent touch to your garden by late August when it reaches its mature height of approximately 3 feet. Reflecting the sun as it lowers or the moon by night, Silver King - in the eyes of this gardener - is an exceptional choice for the ornamental garden. A rewarding herb known to thrive in poor soil if so required, the key to their success is well-drained soil in full sun. Spreading by rhizomes, Silver King may become invasive but I usually welcome this plant wherever it may choose to establish itself for the season. Its use as a garden highlight aside, this particular plant is considered a dried treasure as it is expensive to buy if you are lucky enough to find it. Harvest more than you think you will need. Silver King’s flower is insignificant and it is its foliage that is prized for its true silver color, its ease in drying, and its longevity in dried arrangements. Cut the foliage once the plant has reached its full height and the seed head is formed and rounded BUT prior to the seed head bursting open. Hang upside down to dry in a covered airy place where it is protected from moisture. The shrinkage from drying is less than other plants and it retains its form and color. Silver King also works to freshen the scent of your home by simply tucking the dried bunches in a corner. It should be noted that for drying purposes, not all artemisias with silver foliage are such excellent sources for dried plant material. Silver Queen/Silver Mound (artemisia schmidtiana), while it dries adequately, its harvest is comparatively small to Silver King and it fails to grow well in Oklahoma’s hot humid summer. Wormwood/Mugwort (Powis Castle), another beautiful silvery choice for the ornamental garden (and another one of my favorites), grows vigorously in Oklahoma but has no use as a dried plant. Its foliage shrivels and holds little form. And finally - a popular annual artemisia for drying purposes is Sweet Annie (artemisia annua) which has a distinctive green foliage and a long-lasting pleasant scent. I will be providing more details about this precious decorative and aromatic herb in the spring. |
Sliver King hung to dry
Cut when seed head is formed and rounded
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As summer progresses and the garden matures, Silver King Artemisia transforms into a brilliant display
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