Blue Wormwood

artemisia caerulescens

Also known as: ["Blue Sage","Blue Mugwort"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Artemisia Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with silvery-blue foliage and a strong, aromatic scent. It is often used in traditional medicine and landscaping.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
Botanical Name: Artemisia caerulescens

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in sunny areas
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Full sun preferred; avoid deep shade; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F).

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air flow.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during active growth

Use weak fertilizer solutions; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/damaged growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune at right time; remove dead growth; shape plant.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; tease out tangled roots; place in slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom but avoid wetting foliage.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or chlorosis in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn purple or brown; growth slows or halts in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide winter protection in colder zones; avoid overwatering in cold weather.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring–summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Artemisia caerulescens may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Artemisia caerulescens can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Artemisia caerulescens may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf drop, and potentially the spread of infection to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Artemisia caerulescens if the soil is poorly drained or excessively moist, leading to the decay of roots and lower stems, which can be fatal to the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest significant amounts of Artemisia caerulescens. The plant's essential oils can irritate the digestive system, though severe toxicity is rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Prevent cats from consuming large amounts; consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs and symptoms develop.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of large amounts of Artemisia caerulescens may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's compounds can cause digestive upset but are not typically life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Monitor dogs if they consume the plant; seek veterinary advice if symptoms persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Artemisia caerulescens contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant amounts. The plant's essential oils may irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort but generally not severe toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Consume only in moderation; avoid large quantities to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Artemisia caerulescens safe for pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, so ingestion should be avoided.

Q: How often should I water this plant?

A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Western Ragweed
View
Mountain Arnica
View
Osteospermum
View
Syrian thistle
View