Silver mound Artemisia, valued for its silver foliage during the growing season, can be propagated to make new plants for free. Silver mound plants are relatively easy to propagate and will establish quickly if properly cared for. This article will expound on how to propagate silver mound Artemisia.
The silver mound plant does not have a patent on it and can be propagated unlimited. However, double-check the tag first before purchasing, as plant hybridizers are always developing new plant cultivars and patenting them. It will usually say on the tag whether a plant has a patent on it or not.
The easiest way to propagate silver mound is stem cuttings. Allow the plants to grow in spring, then generously pinch them, harvesting the top two inches while leaving some foliage on the plant. Strip or pinch off the lower leaves on the cuttings, making sure to leave several good leaves. Trim the cut end if necessary so that it is a clean cut and is within half an inch of a leaf node. This enhances the plant’s ability to put out roots. Fill a shallow pot or tray with potting soil and insert the stem cuttings into the potting soil. Make sure that the container has good drainage. Place the container in a shaded spot and water. Water twice a day with a fine mist if possible, though a gentle spray will suffice. The important thing is that the leaves and soil are kept relatively moist and the water is not hard enough to knock the plants out of the soil.
Cuttings will wilt and be limp initially but keep them moist. In a week or two they will begin to show new growth in the centers. Continue to keep moist for another week, as the rooting that is developing needs to continue. When the new growth starts to grow actively, gently pry a cutting out of the soil from underneath and see if it is rooted. Avoid disturbing if not necessary; pulling cuttings from the soil can inhibit rooting by damaging young roots and disturbing the plant as it tries to adjust to rooting.
Transplant the rooted cuttings into pots and keep watered until the plants are established. Having the plants in pots allows for optimal conditions for establishing the plant, before it is planted in its permanent spot. Alternatively, you can plant them directly into the area where they are to be grown. It is essential to keep all weeds down around the new plants and to keep them well-watered until they are fully established. Cuttings taken will reach a good size their first year and full size by the second year at the latest.
Silver mound Artemisia can also be divided. It is best to divide in spring or fall when plants are mostly dormant, so that they can adjust. Plants divided while they are grown should be cut back, and will need time to adjust. With proper care, your silver mound divisions will grow readily and be full size within a year. You now have successfully made multiple silver mound Artemisia plants for free.
