Artemisia Makana Silver

Artemisia Makana Silver, also known as Maui Wormwood, forms a magnificent ball of feathery, fragrant, silver foliage with exceptional ornamental value. This light, airy ball is as soft to the touch as it looks. It is sensitive to heavy frosts, but its rapid growth allows it to be grown as an annual. It is a magnificent background for neighbouring plants in flower beds, rockeries, and large flower pots. Its design brings every plant scene to life.

'Makana Silver' Wormwood belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a horticultural selection from Terra Nova Nurseries in the United States (2017) characterised by a dense and regular shape. The species Artemisia mauiensis is native to the island of Maui in Hawaii. It is a perennial plant with a rounded, bushy shape. It measures about 40 cm (16in) in all directions at maturity. Its growth is rapid, reaching full development within a few months. Its cold resistance is evaluated at -5 or -6 °C (23 or 21.2°F) at the coldest in well-drained soil. Its foliage is semi-evergreen to evergreen in very mild climates. The leaves are finely divided, silver, and even brighter and shinier when the soil is dry. The leaves are aromatic when crushed. The paniculate yellowish, 5 to 20 cm (2 to 8in) long flowers in late summer are of little interest.

The 'Makana Silver' Wormwood is a drought-tolerant plant that dislikes excessive humidity, especially in winter. Plant it in light, even rocky soil, or in a large pot that you can protect in winter. It requires full sun. It will make a pleasing contrast to the purple foliage of 'Forever Purple' Heuchera or the pink foliage of 'Berry Smoothie' Heuchera, or the dusty pink flowers of 'Matrona' Sedum or 'Stewed Rhubard Mountain' Sedum. This plant will also fit well in grey gardens.

The genus Artemisia is dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting, nature, and fertility. It is said that she used these plants, whose numerous medicinal properties are now recognised.