Artemesia lact’ Guizhou

Description

Artemisia lactiflora ‘Guizhou’ – white mugwort

Botanical name: Artemisia lactiflora ‘Guizhou’ (Guizhou Group)
Common names: White mugwort
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Tall, upright, clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1.2–1.5m tall × 0.6m spread
Foliage: Deeply divided, dark green leaves on striking dark purple-black stems
Flowers: Tall, airy plumes of tiny creamy-white flowers in late summer into autumn (August–September)
Scent: Aromatic foliage
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile; unlike silver artemisias, it likes reliable moisture; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–9
Exposure: Sheltered from strong winds
Native range: Species native to China
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Artemisia lactiflora ‘Guizhou’ is an architectural perennial with dark purple stems, divided green foliage and tall airy plumes of creamy-white flowers in late summer. Bold and unusual for the back of moist borders.

GardenAdvice notes

Quite unlike the silver, drought-loving artemisias, white mugwort is grown for its bold, architectural presence and its late display of tall, airy plumes of tiny creamy-white flowers. The ‘Guizhou’ form is especially fine, with dramatic dark purple-black stems and dark-tinted divided foliage setting off the creamy plumes. It brings valuable height, texture and late colour to the back of a border, and — unusually for an artemisia — enjoys moist, fertile soil.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade, in a spot sheltered from strong winds, which can rock the tall stems — this is a moisture-lover, unlike its silver relatives. Give it room at the back of a border. Space about 60cm apart. Water in dry spells.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance in moist soil. It may need staking or support in exposed spots or rich soil. Keep it moist for the best growth. Cut back the old growth in late autumn or spring. Divide congested clumps in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in moist, fertile soil. It can flop or scorch if too dry, and may need support when tall. Otherwise robust and healthy.

Uses in the garden

Superb for height, structure and late colour at the back of moist mixed and herbaceous borders, and in naturalistic plantings, where its dark stems and airy creamy plumes contrast beautifully with bolder flowers.

Wildlife value

The airy late-summer flowers are attractive to bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects.

Toxicity & safety

White mugwort is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Guizhou’ is the artemisia to grow if you want height and airy creamy flower plumes rather than silver foliage — those dark purple stems are dramatic at the back of a border. Just remember it’s the odd one out in its family: it wants moist, fertile soil, not the hot, dry conditions the silver artemisias crave, and it may need a little support when it reaches full height.

Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here