Hoary mugwort 'Boughton Silver' Artemisia stelleriana 'Boughton Silver'

Water

The Dusty Miller (Artemisia stelleriana 'Boughton Silver') requires moderate watering, being careful not to over-water as it prefers drier conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once a week, depending on climate and weather conditions. In hotter, drier weather, it may require watering twice a week; however, allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Provide approximately 0.25 gallons of water per plant each time you water, ensuring even distribution across the soil without waterlogging the roots.

Light

Dusty Miller thrives in full sun where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates, but its silver foliage coloration is most vibrant when it gets ample sunlight. The ideal spot for Dusty Miller would be in an area that's exposed to the morning sun and partially protected from the intense afternoon sun in hotter regions.

Temperature

Dusty Miller prefers cooler temperatures and can generally tolerate temperatures down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, although it may not survive extended periods of extreme cold. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can handle heat up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit but may require more frequent watering in higher temperatures to remain vibrant.

Pruning

Pruning the Dusty Miller is important to maintain its compact shape and to encourage bushy growth. Prune or pinch back the tips of the plant in the spring and throughout the growing season as needed. This plant doesn’t require extensive pruning, but cutting back any leggy stems or spent flowers will help maintain an attractive form. The best time for pruning is just before new growth starts, typically in late winter or early spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dusty Miller 'Boughton Silver' thrives best in well-draining soil mixed with sand or gravel to improve drainage. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A combination of loam, peat, or compost with perlite or vermiculite can create the ideal environment for root health.

Repotting

Dusty Miller 'Boughton Silver' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in the spring before the new growth begins. If the plant shows signs of being pot-bound, repot it into a slightly larger container.

Humidity & Misting

Dusty Miller 'Boughton Silver' is tolerant of dry air and does not require high humidity. It thrives in average room humidity levels, making it well-suited for typical home environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Dusty Miller in bright light. Avoid overwatering; allow the soil to dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12 inches apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Artemisia stelleriana 'Boughton Silver', commonly known as Dusty Miller, begins its life cycle as seeds which germinate in spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with silver-gray foliage that forms a low, spreading mound. During its vegetative stage, Dusty Miller experiences rapid leaf growth and will continue to spread unless pruned to maintain shape. Although primarily grown for its foliage, Dusty Miller may produce small, inconspicuous yellow flowers during the summer. Following flowering, seeds develop and are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. In the fall, Dusty Miller enters dormancy, especially in climates with cold winters, and may die back, but it can return the following spring if the root system remains intact.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late spring to early summer

• One of the most popular methods of propagation for Dusty Miller 'Boughton Silver' is by taking softwood cuttings. The ideal time to do this is in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering shoot should be selected. Cut a piece of stem about 3-4 inches long, just below a leaf node, and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can encourage root growth. The prepared cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, with about half the length of the cutting buried in the soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.