Sea Foam sage
Artemisia versicolor 'Sea Foam'
Sea Foam sage (Artemisia versicolor 'Sea Foam') is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 1 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Curly silver-blue foliage forms a tight low mound; excellent textural contrast.
Plant Select®low water1 ft tall and 2–3 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Online from $19.99 at 1 retailerPhotos
Plan your garden
Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.
Ready to plant this?
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Artemisia versicolor 'Sea Foam'
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Sea Foam'
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 1 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~3 ft apart (2 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Sharp drainage required; pinch in mid-spring to keep tight.
- Pruning: light.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sea Foam sage good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Sea Foam sage is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Sea Foam sage?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Sea Foam sage get?
- It matures to about 1 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Sea Foam sage?
- Space Sea Foam sage about 3 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 2 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Sea Foam sage hardy on the Front Range?
- Sea Foam sage is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Sea Foam sage need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Sea Foam sage grow?
- Sea Foam sage is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Sea Foam sage safe for dogs?
- No. Sea Foam sage is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Sea Foam sage deer-resistant?
- Sea Foam sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
