Artemisia lactiflora ‘Jim Russell’

Description

Artemisia lactiflora ‘Jim Russell’.

A tall strong perennial of stout constitution with purple stained leaves providing a lovely foil for the sheaves of creamy white flowers. Paler in the foliage than the Guizhou group with creamier more arching flower heads. A good backdrop to shorter perennials. Sun or part shade. 1.8m.

Artemisia

In the garden, Artemisia are known for the range of their silver foliage.  It ranges from sub shrubby species with foliage cut to haze like threads to the broad silver leaves of Artemisia ludoviciana and all in between. On the whole, the silver leaved species have flowers that are small and add little to the foliage effect. However, the Asian species, Artemisia lactiflora has tall spikes of small milky-white flowers that are worth their place in the border.

As a rule, Artemisia are very tolerant of sun and drought and will take some alkalinity. Artemisia lactiflora however would appreciate a little more moisture in the soil.

Mugwort is Artemisia vulgaris and one of the oldest of medicinal plants. People used to ascribe magical properties to it. It is an effective Moth repellent.

In cooking, you can use Mugwort (A.vulgaris) as a flavouring with fatty meats such as goose or pork. The herb Tarragon is a form of Artemisia, Artemisia dracunculus

Naming

Artemisa is the Greek name for these plants and derives from the Goddess Artemis, goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, childbirth and virginity. She was the protector of all young women and, as daughter of Zeus, one of the 12 Olympians.  Artemis as a goddess may predate even the Greek tradition. Clearly, this is a plant that must have been treated with respect. Possibly it connects with Mugwort having supposed magical properties.

he name ‘Mugwort’ could have a couple of derivations. Possibly it is the Anglo-Saxon ‘mycg’=midge and ‘wyrt’=a herb,  or alternatively it refers to its use in flavouring beers before the introduction of hops.