Broad Silver-Gray Foliage That Cools the Border

Valerie Finnis Artemisia (Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis') is prized for its broad, jagged-edged silvery-gray leaves, a cleaner, less wispy look than many silver artemisias. A selection of our native white sage, it forms a spreading patch of cool, soft color that's superb for weaving between brighter perennials. Tough, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, it's an easy, eye-catching foliage plant for sunny Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan borders. Note that it spreads by runners, so give it room or edge it.

Landscape Uses

Use Valerie Finnis as a silver weaving accent in sunny borders, prairie-style and gravel gardens, and naturalized areas where its spread is welcome. It cools hot colors and pairs beautifully with coneflowers, salvia, and grasses.

Best Time to Plant

Plant in spring or early fall in a sunny, well-drained spot. Site it where it can roam, or use an edging to contain its spread.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill (avoid rich, heavy soil), water in, and mulch lightly. Good drainage is essential.

Watering

First Year: Water deeply once a week to establish, avoiding soggy soil.
After Year One: Little supplemental water needed; it's highly drought tolerant.
Drip Irrigation: Use sparingly; artemisia thrives on the dry side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it spread?
Yes, it spreads by underground runners, so give it space or contain it with edging.

Is it a native plant?
It's a selection of white sage (Artemisia ludoviciana), a North American native well suited to the region.

Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 4 and reliable across most of the state.

Is it deer resistant?
Yes, the aromatic silver foliage is reliably deer-resistant.

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Pair Valerie Finnis with coneflowers, salvia, and grasses, or our mounding Silver Mound artemisia for a low-water, deer-resistant border.