Silver Mound

What you'll need:

A pot or garden space (it doesn’t need to be huge—about 12 inches wide is enough for one plant)

Well-draining soil (regular potting mix works fine, but make sure it drains well)

Some gravel or sand (optional, to improve drainage if your soil feels heavy)

• Silver Mound plant (you can start with small potted plants from a garden center)

When to start:

Spring or early summer is ideal for planting Silver Mound. The plant loves warmth and won’t tolerate frost, so wait until the weather is consistently mild in your area.

Finding a good spot:

Silver Mound thrives in full sun but can handle a bit of shade. It prefers about 6 hours of sunlight daily, so pick a sunny spot in your garden or on your balcony. If you're planting in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

Tip: Silver Mound is a low-growing plant, so it’s perfect for borders, rock gardens, or even as an accent in containers.

1. Prepare the soil:
   • If you’re planting in a pot, fill it with well-draining soil, leaving about an inch from the top.
   • If planting in the ground, loosen the soil and mix in some sand or gravel to help with drainage.
2. Dig a hole:
   • Make a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your Silver Mound plant.
3. Place the plant:
   • Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot and place it in the hole. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill and firm:
   • Fill the hole with soil, gently pressing down around the base of the plant to remove air pockets.
5. Water lightly:
   • Give the plant a good drink of water right after planting, but don’t overdo it. Silver Mound doesn’t like soggy feet!

Tip: Space multiple plants about 12-18 inches apart if you’re planting more than one. This will give them room to spread without overcrowding.

Watering:

• Silver Mound doesn’t need much water once it’s established. Water sparingly, only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Overwatering is the biggest risk, so err on the side of caution. In hot weather, you might water every 7-10 days, but less often in cooler weather.

Sunlight:

• Keep your Silver Mound in a sunny spot. Full sun brings out its silvery sheen and keeps it compact.
• If it gets too much shade, the plant may become leggy and lose its vibrant color.

Fertilizing:

• You don’t need to fertilize Silver Mound often. Once a year in early spring, you can add a light sprinkle of general-purpose fertilizer, but don’t overdo it. Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too fast and lose its neat, mounded shape.

Pruning:

• Trim back any dead or leggy growth in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, bushy growth.
• After flowering (if it blooms), you can also give it a light trim to maintain its shape.

Tip: If you notice the center of the plant getting woody or sparse, don’t worry—it’s normal. You can divide the plant every few years to rejuvenate it.

Silver Mound isn’t typically “harvested” like vegetables or herbs, but you can enjoy its beauty by using it in floral arrangements or as a decorative element in your garden.

How to use Silver Mound decoratively:

• Cuttings for arrangements: You can snip off a few stems to add texture and a silvery contrast to bouquets or dried flower arrangements.
• Garden accents: Its low, mounding form makes it a great filler plant in garden beds or borders. It pairs beautifully with colorful flowers like marigolds or purple salvia.

Tip: To keep your Silver Mound looking its best, regularly remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain that neat, silvery mound appearance.

Q: Why is my Silver Mound turning brown?

A: Browning usually happens when the plant is overwatered or sitting in poorly drained soil. Make sure the soil is drying out between waterings, and consider adding more sand or gravel to improve drainage.

Q: Can Silver Mound survive winter?

A: Silver Mound is hardy in zones 4-8, but it may struggle in very wet winters. If you live in a rainy or cold climate, consider mulching around the base of the plant to protect it from excess moisture.

Q: Does Silver Mound flower?

A: Yes, it can produce small, insignificant yellow or white flowers in late summer. Some gardeners prefer to trim these off to keep the plant’s focus on its attractive foliage.

Q: My Silver Mound is getting leggy. What should I do?

A: Leggy growth can happen if the plant is not getting enough sun or if it’s old and needs dividing. Prune it back in early spring to encourage new growth, and make sure it’s getting plenty of sunlight.

Q: Can I grow Silver Mound indoors?

A: Silver Mound prefers outdoor conditions, especially full sun. However, if you have a very sunny window (like a south-facing one), you could try growing it indoors, but it’s happiest outside.