%20Artemisia%20ludoviciana%20-%20Serres%20du%20Museum%20de%20Toulouse.jpg)
White sage
Artemisia ludoviciana · Asteraceae
📷 Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant white sage: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, silvery-gray, very finely cut and delicate
- Flowering
- August to October, small pale yellow flowers in panicles
- Adult size
- 24 to 48 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Excellent, down to -4 °F
- Origin
- North America (United States)
- Soil type
- Dry, well-drained, poor to average
Care
Exposure
Plant your Louisiana wormwood in full sun to encourage vigorous growth and optimal silvery foliage. It tolerates partial shade fairly well but will be less dense and less colorful. Choose a very bright and airy location.
Watering
This plant is very drought-resistant once established. Water moderately during the growing season, then reduce watering in summer. In containers, make sure the soil dries out between waterings. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes rot.
Soil
Wormwood prefers light, well-drained, and rather poor soil. A modest addition of organic matter is sufficient; it thrives even on dry, stony ground. If your soil is heavy, amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Pruning
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a bushy shape and prevent legginess. Cut back any dried stems after winter. You can remove flowers before they fully mature to extend the ornamental appeal of the foliage.
Fertilizer
Louisiana wormwood requires virtually no fertilization. A very light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than enough. Excess nitrogen makes the plant too lush and fragile; it's best to let it thrive in modest conditions.
Diseases and Pests
This plant is generally very healthy and rarely prone to diseases. Root rot remains the main risk in overly moist or poorly drained soil. Ensure good air circulation in your planting area and avoid excessive watering to prevent any problems.
Did you know?
Louisiana wormwood was long used by Native American peoples for ritual and therapeutic purposes. Its name 'Artemisia' pays homage to Artemis, goddess of the hunt in Greek mythology, highlighting its status as a powerful and wild plant prized since ancient times.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.