Artemisia mauiensis 'Makana Silver'
Makana silver wormwood
Overview
Artemisia mauiensis 'Makana Silver' is an evergreen subshrub in the Asteraceae family grown for its silver foliage, reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Leaves are finely dissected into thread-like silver-white segments, densely covered in silvery hairs that give the whole plant a frosted, metallic appearance and a soft texture. The foliage is aromatic when brushed, with a resinous, sage-like scent. Small yellowish flower heads appear on short stalks in summer but stay largely hidden within the foliage and add little color. The species is endemic to high-elevation slopes on Maui, Hawaii, and the cultivar is a horticultural selection of this species. 'Makana Silver' is frost tender and grows as a perennial only in USDA zones 9 through 11; in colder regions it is treated as a container or bedding plant. It requires full sun and sharp drainage, and the silver color dulls and the habit loosens in shade or damp soil. Wet winters and poorly drained ground cause crown and root rot. Established plants tolerate heat, wind, and drought. The dense silver foliage contrasts with darker plants in mixed plantings and is grown in containers, gravel gardens, and coastal sites where salt and wind exposure are factors.
Native Range
Artemisia mauiensis is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Maui, where it grows on high-elevation volcanic slopes and exposed ridges. 'Makana Silver' is a cultivated selection of this species developed for ornamental foliage.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers, gravel gardens, rock gardens, and coastal plantings where wind and salt are factors, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. The silver foliage contrasts with dark-leaved or brightly flowered plants in mixed borders and pots. It suits hot, dry sites with sharp drainage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Small yellowish flower heads appear in summer, roughly July through August, held on short stalks within the foliage. The heads are inconspicuous and add little color. The silver foliage persists year-round in frost-free conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Silver-whiteGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun and gritty, sharply drained soil of low to moderate fertility. Water needs are low once established, and the plant tolerates heat, wind, coastal salt, and drought. Damp or poorly drained soil, especially in winter, causes crown and root rot. The silver foliage holds its color in lean soil and bright light, while shade and rich soil produce loose, greener growth. In USDA zones 9 through 11 it grows as an evergreen perennial, while in colder zones it is grown as a container or bedding plant and overwintered under frost-free cover. Cutting back leggy growth in spring restores a denser mound.Pruning
Cut back by up to one third in early spring to maintain a compact, dense mound and remove winter-worn growth. Light trimming through the growing season holds the habit tight. Spent flower stalks are removed as they fade.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons