Artemisia pycnocephala 'David's Choice' – Coastal Sagewort

Silvery magic for the garden! This stunning California native features impossibly soft, lacy foliage in luminous silver-gray that seems to glow in the landscape. Low, mounding habit creates dreamy textural contrast against bold colors or dark greens, while its coastal pedigree means serious toughness against wind, salt spray, and neglect. Perfect for moon gardens, Mediterranean borders, or anywhere you need ethereal beauty with zero drama. Drought-tolerant once established and deer-resistant—effortless elegance for modern gardens.

Why Grow 'David's Choice':

• Stunning silvery-white lacy foliage
• California native—perfectly adapted to Zone 10
• Extremely drought-tolerant once established
• Tolerates coastal conditions, wind, and salt spray
• Low mounding habit (12-18 inches tall, 2-3 feet wide)
• Deer and rabbit resistant

Planting Guide

Location:

• Full sun to light shade (6+ hours daily for best color)
• Ideal for coastal gardens—tolerates salt spray and wind

Soil:

• Well-draining is essential—will not tolerate wet feet
• Thrives in poor to average soil—no rich amendments needed
• Sandy, gravelly, or lean soil preferred

Planting:

• Spacing: 24-36 inches apart for groundcover effect
• Depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container
• Containers: Excellent in pots with drainage holes using well-draining mix

Watering:

• Water regularly until established (first year)
• Once established, water sparingly—highly drought-tolerant
• Overwatering causes root rot and foliage decline
• Prefers dry conditions

Fertilizing:

• No fertilizer needed—thrives in poor soil
• Excess nutrients diminish silver color and weaken plant

Pruning & Maintenance:

• Shear back lightly in late winter/early spring to maintain compact form
• Trim back by one-third to rejuvenate if becomes leggy
• Remove any green-reverting growth immediately
• Minimal maintenance required

Harvesting:

• Aromatic foliage can be used in dried arrangements
• Cut stems in morning for best fragrance

Pest & Disease:

• Generally pest and disease-free
• Excellent drainage prevents root rot
• Deer and rabbit resistant

Companion Planting:

• Stunning with lavender, rosemary, and other Mediterranean herbs
• Beautiful contrast with dark foliage or purple/blue flowers
• Pairs perfectly with succulents, agave, and ornamental grasses
• Excellent with salvia, penstemon, and California poppies