| Botanical Name | Artemisia abyssinica 'Parfum d'Ethiopia' |
| Description | A sensory powerhouse for Willis and Houston gardens, this Artemisia selection is prized for its soft, fern-like silver foliage and incredible sweet scent. It acts as a perfect perennial contrast to dark green shrubs or colorful flowers. Unlike many silver-leaf plants that melt in our humidity, 'Parfum d'Ethiopia' is remarkably heat-hardy. However, our local clay can be a challenge; it is vital to plant in a raised bed or a container with excellent drainage to keep it happy during wet Southeast Texas winters. |
| Exposure | Full Sun (Essential for keeping the silver foliage bright and the habit compact) |
| Height x Width | 2-3 ft. Tall x 2-3 ft. Wide |
| Water | Low. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage looking its best in the Houston humidity. |
| Zones | 8 - 11 (A reliable perennial for our region) |
| Fertilization | Minimal needs. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. Too much nitrogen can make the plant leggy. |
| Pruning | Trim lightly throughout the year to maintain shape. Cut back by about half in late winter to encourage fresh, silvery growth for spring. |
| Deer Resistance | High (The strong fragrance and bitter taste keep deer far away) |
| Botanical Name | Artemisia abyssinica 'Parfum d'Ethiopia' |
| Description | A sensory powerhouse for Willis and Houston gardens, this Artemisia selection is prized for its soft, fern-like silver foliage and incredible sweet scent. It acts as a perfect perennial contrast to dark green shrubs or colorful flowers. Unlike many silver-leaf plants that melt in our humidity, 'Parfum d'Ethiopia' is remarkably heat-hardy. However, our local clay can be a challenge; it is vital to plant in a raised bed or a container with excellent drainage to keep it happy during wet Southeast Texas winters. |
| Exposure | Full Sun (Essential for keeping the silver foliage bright and the habit compact) |
| Height x Width | 2-3 ft. Tall x 2-3 ft. Wide |
| Water | Low. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage looking its best in the Houston humidity. |
| Zones | 8 - 11 (A reliable perennial for our region) |
| Fertilization | Minimal needs. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. Too much nitrogen can make the plant leggy. |
| Pruning | Trim lightly throughout the year to maintain shape. Cut back by about half in late winter to encourage fresh, silvery growth for spring. |
| Deer Resistance | High (The strong fragrance and bitter taste keep deer far away) |