Artemisia abrotanum, or Southernwood, is a perennial plant used as a medicinal herb throughout history. With citrusy sweet-smelling foliage, it is ideal to grow in the ground or pots to add beauty, texture, and fragrance to any space.
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, Artemisia abrotanum is very simple to maintain in the right conditions. Plants want sunlight, warmth and well-draining soil - get those three aspects right and they will thrive.
If you have a hot and dry herb garden, Artemisia abrotanum is an aromatic and dazzling plant to consider. It is not limited to herb gardens, though, it can also be grown in flower beds, lining paths, or even as a low hedge.
Can I plant Artemisia abrotanum?
It should be noted that some types of Artemisia, such as Artemisia vulgaris, are considered invasive plants in the US. However, Artemisia abrotanum is not one of them. It is a non-invasive variety ideal for adding to a wide range of backyard ideas.
What is Artemisia abrotanum?
Artemisia abrotanum is a perennial shrub commonly known as Southernwood, though it has been known by many names throughout history. This includes Old Man Wormwood, Sagebrush, Southern Wormwood, and Lad’s Love - the latter due to the plant’s reputation as an aphrodisiac.
A resilient aromatic herb hardy in US hardiness zones 5-8, Artemisia abrotanum is grown for its fragrant grey-green feathery foliage, which has been used throughout history as a medicinal plant, air freshener, insect repellent, or strewing herb.
The clump-forming plant grows up to 3-5 feet tall and around two feet wide. Artemisia abrotanum can grow in dedicated herb gardens, herb planters, or mixed among other plants in flower beds and borders.
It is also a great plant to line garden paths or surround a patio or deck - where the scent can be enjoyed when people brush past it.
How to grow Artemisia abrotanum
- Soil - Plant Artemisia abrotanum in a rich and well-draining soil type. It is a drought-tolerant herb that prefers drier conditions, and poor drainage from heavy, wet soils can cause rot.
- Light - Southernwood thrives in a full sun spot, where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While you can plant Artemisia abrotanum in part-shade, it will prosper when given as much sun as possible.
- Water - Artemisia abrotanum will require regular watering for the first few months after planting to get established. However, while they are low-maintenance drought-tolerant plants once established, they can still benefit from some watering. Jessica Mercer from Plant Addicts says: ‘Once established, Artemisia abrotanum typically requires little supplemental watering. In most regions, rainfall and occasional hand-watering during prolonged dry spells will keep it healthy.’
- Feeding - Fertilizing Artemisia abrotanum is usually unnecessary. Adding organic matter is preferential to plant feeds and the risk of adding lots of extra nutrients is that plants can become leggy or short-lived.
- Pruning - ‘Trim at least once a year in fall or early spring to maintain a neat form,’ recommends Jessica Mercer. Spring is the best time to cut back old growth to make space for new shoots to come through. Cut back to new shoots and lower buds with clean and sharp pruning shears just as the plant begins to grow in spring.
- Propagate - Divide plants every 3-4 years to keep the clump productive and get new plants to add around the yard. New Artemisia abrotanum plants can be propagated by taking semi-hardwood plant cuttings in late summer, or grown from seed.
Jessica Mercer, PhD, is the senior content marketing coordinator for Plant Addicts. As a plant collector, Jessica enjoys growing many different plants and learning about the best culture practices for each. Writing for Plant Addicts is a real joy for her, as she can use her science background to research interesting plant topics.
Make planting as comfortable as possible with this 12-inch garden trowel. It is designed for ease of use, with ridges for comfort on its red handle. Made from a non-rusting aluminum structure, it is a durable and strong tool that can last for many years.
FAQs
Is southernwood an evergreen?
Artemisia abrotanum is not an evergreen plant. It is a semi-evergreen that remains green for large parts of the year, longer in areas with milder winters. It will lose its leaves during the coldest parts of the year.
Is wormwood the same as southernwood?
Southernwood is different to wormwood. Wormwood is the common name for Artemisia absinthium, a plant best known for its distinctive bitter taste and use in absinthe.
Artemisia abrotanum has been used in history for herbal teas. While it wouldn’t top the list nowadays when it comes to plants to use for tea, there are lots of easy herbs to grow at home to infuse your own brew.
If you want to grow your own herbal tea, consider planting chamomile, mint, sage, or lemon verbena in your herb garden.
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