Canyon Gray California Sagebrush — Artemisia californica 'Canyon Gray'

Artemisia californica 'Canyon Gray'

Fine, aromatic gray-green foliage forms a broad, low carpet for Southern California coastal gardens. Give this California native room to spread across an open bank, rock garden or well-drained slope.

Growing in Southern California

• Light: Full coastal sun; part-day sun can suit inland valleys.
• Mature size: About 1–2 feet tall and 8–10 feet wide, sometimes wider.
• Water & drought: Very drought tolerant once established. Water during establishment, then reduce irrigation. Avoid persistently moist summer soil.
• Soil: Adaptable from sandy to clay soils with effective drainage.
• Growth habit: Spreading groundcover; the time needed to fill an area varies with site and establishment.
• Habitat: Use its dense foliage as cover within a diverse native planting. Add flowering companions for seasonal nectar; its own flowers are inconspicuous.
• Maintenance: Allow its natural width and trim selectively where it encroaches on paths. Keep irrigation matched to drainage.
• Uses: Large groundcover areas, coastal slopes, rock gardens and cascading wall plantings.

Representative photograph specifically identified as Artemisia californica 'Canyon Gray' at Humboldt Botanical Garden, not actual nursery stock. Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek (Kenraiz), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No intentional changes to the photo.