Mugwort is a big, bold perennial with thick, reddish stems and deeply divided leaves that are green on top and silver underneath. It’s a plant you grow when you have space and want impact—both in the garden and in harvest.
The tall stems and strong foliage make mugwort especially useful for wreath backings and dried arrangements. Florists and crafters love it for its structure and contrast. It also carries a long history as a traditional medicinal herb, used in herbal preparations for generations.
Mugwort spreads and grows large, so it’s best suited to bigger gardens, natural areas, or places where it can fill space without being crowded. In the right spot, it becomes a dependable, hardworking plant that gives you both beauty and utility.
WHY GARDENERS GROW IT
- Thick reddish stems with strong structure
- Green-and-silver foliage with bold contrast
- Excellent for wreaths and dried work
- Traditional medicinal herb
- Fills large spaces easily
HOW IT GROWS
- Plant type: Herbaceous to semi-woody perennial
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Water: Low to moderate
- Growth habit: Tall, spreading
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9
SIZE & FORM
- Height × Width: 4–6 ft. × 3 ft.
- Stems: Thick, often reddish
- Leaves: Broadly divided, green above, silver below
BEST USES
- Wreath backings
- Dried floral work
- Cut foliage
- Medicinal gardens
- Large garden spaces and natural areas
