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
Photos
- Photo 1: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 2: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 1 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~3 ft apart (2 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
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.
