Perennials - Artemisia
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  (February) I would like to know the best time of year to cut back artemisia. I'm not sure of the variety I have. It might be Powis Castle or Huntington. By the end of Summer they become very leggy. I've had one plant die and I'm wondering if I cut it back too early or too late.

  Artemisia is grown for its wonderful silverish foliage, and really benefits from a good shearing every year before new growth kicks in. If you don' shear it, it tends to become more woody, and the foliage turns more green. Pruning it hard every spring, should encourage new growth, which is the most silver in color. Wet soils or overly rich sites can also cause damage to artemisia.

  I have some artemisia plants that are taller than I really want them to be. Can they be pruned or will that damage them? The centers seem to have died back more than the outer edges, and they look funny.

  Artemisia benefits from periodic pruning to keep it full and bushy. If the centers seem to be melting away, it could mean that your soil is too rich or too wet. They do better in poorer, sandier soils. Consider dividing the plant this spring, and throwing away the deteriorating center and replanting the side shoots. Prune as needed to keep it the size you want. The flowers are nondescript and not the reason for growing this lovely silver foliaged plant.

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