Salvia argentea Artemis

Overview and Key Features

Salvia argentea 'Artemis' (commonly known as Silver Sage) is an ornamental perennial grown primarily for its spectacular silvery-white, woolly foliage, which forms a low, rosette-like mound. While it may produce tall flower spikes in its second year, this plant is more often prized for its foliage texture, colour contrast, and sculptural form.

Native to the Mediterranean, Salvia argentea thrives in hot, dry conditions and is highly suited to gravel gardens, dry borders, Mediterranean plantings, and modern minimalist landscapes. 'Artemis' is a selected cultivar with particularly dense, silvery foliage and a more compact, refined habit than the species.

• Height: 30–50 cm (foliage); up to 90 cm in flower

• Spread: 40–60 cm

• Foliage: Large, soft, woolly, silver-white leaves

• Flowers: Creamy white blooms on tall spikes (may appear in second year)

• Habit: Low rosette, upright flowering spikes

• Type: Biennial to short-lived perennial

• Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy to around -10°C to -15°C)

• Interest: Primarily foliage; architectural and tactile value

Growing Conditions and Site Preferences

Salvia argentea is a sun-loving plant that prefers dry, free-draining soils and is very easy to grow in the right setting.

Light Requirements

• Requires full sun to maintain its silvery leaf colour and compact form

• Avoid planting in shade, as it can become leggy and more susceptible to rot

Soil Needs

• Thrives in poor to moderately fertile, very well-drained soil

• Ideal in sandy, chalky, or gravelly conditions

• Avoid rich or heavy clay soils—add grit or sand to improve drainage if necessary

• Perfect for rockeries, raised beds, and dry banks

Planting Tips

• Best planted in spring or early autumn

• Space plants 40–50 cm apart to allow for the full spread of the foliage

• If growing in containers, use a gritty, peat-free compost mix

• Avoid overhead watering to maintain the fuzzy leaf texture

Watering, Feeding, and Maintenance

Watering

• Requires minimal watering once established

• Water moderately during the first season, then sparingly

• Water at the base, avoiding leaves, to prevent rot

Feeding

• No regular feeding required

• Over-fertilising encourages soft, less compact growth and reduces foliage quality

Pruning and Flowering

• Deadhead or remove flower spikes to preserve the foliage shape

• If left to flower, remove spikes after bloom to encourage basal rosette to persist longer

• Trim back spent leaves in late winter or early spring to tidy the plant

• May be short-lived—treat as a biennial in some climates, or propagate from seed to ensure continuity

Landscape Use and Companion Planting

Salvia argentea 'Artemis' provides superb contrast in mixed plantings and works as a feature plant thanks to its bold leaf form and unique texture.

Best Uses

• Gravel and Mediterranean gardens

• Rock gardens and dry borders

• Modern minimalist schemes

• Containers in sunny locations

• Contrast planting against green or dark foliage plants

Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Lavender, Eryngium, Sedum, Verbascum, Santolina, Euphorbia

• Blue or purple flowering perennials like Salvia nemorosa, Perovskia, and Nepeta

• Grasses such as Festuca glauca or Stipa tenuissima for texture contrast

Additional Notes

• Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; good resistance to browsing

• Winter Tips: Protect crown in very wet winters by mulching around, but not over, the crown

• Propagation: By seed in spring; also possible by division in early spring

• Foliage Note: Avoid excessive winter wet—this is the main cause of plant decline

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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