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Artemisia abrotanum (Southernwood)

Southernwood, Boy's Love, Lad's Love, Old Man, Maiden's Ruin, Maid's Love, Maid's Passion, Medicinal Wormwood, Sabbath Day Posy, Slovenwood, Sweet Benjamin, Artemisia paniculata, Artemisia procera Willd

Artemisia Abrotanum, Southernwood, Boy's Love, Lad's Love, Old Man, Maiden's Ruin, Maid's Love, Maid's Passion, Medicinal Wormwood, Sabbath Day Posy, Slovenwood, Sweet Benjamin, Artemisia paniculata, Artemisia procera Willd, Silver foliage plant, aromatic foliage plant

Artemisia abrotanum (Southernwood) is a perennial sub-shrub typically grown for its magnificent and strongly aromatic, ferny, light green foliage. It forms an upright, bushy mound, which releases a pleasant citrus to camphor fragrance whenever brushed or touched. Semi-evergreen in mild winter areas, this shrub is perfect for hot and dry sites.

  • Typically grows in a bushy clump, 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Blooming in loose panicles from late summer to fall, its small, nodding, yellow-white flowers are inconspicuous.
  • Thrives in full sun or light shade, in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Excellent soil drainage is essential. This plant loves dry heat, but usually dislikes hot and humid weather conditions.
  • This aromatic herb deserves a spot in herb gardens, beds and borders, along walks or paths, as a low hedge or in herb containers along with sage, rosemary, basil or lavender. Since the leaves of Southernwood retain their fragrance after drying, they may be used in sachets, as air fresheners or for discouraging clothing moths.
  • Generally pest and disease free.
  • Drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant!
  • Cut back in the fall. Dividing the clumps every 3-4 years will help keep this plant robust.
  • Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
  • Southernwood is native to Southern Europe, most likely in countries along the Mediterranean from Spain to Italy.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Artemisia
Common names Wormwood, Mugwort, Old Man, Southernwood
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Pathways, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Artemisia pycnocephala (Sand Hill Sage)
Artemisia douglasiana (Douglas Mugwort)
Artemisia frigida (Prairie Sagebrush)
Artemisia filifolia (Sand Sagebrush)
Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush)

Recommended Companion Plants

Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton)
Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ (Japanese Blood Grass)
Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage)
Lilium regale ‘Album’ (Trumpet Lily)
Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Artemisia
Common names Wormwood, Mugwort, Old Man, Southernwood
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Pathways, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Artemisia
Guides with
Artemisia
Not sure which Artemisia to pick?
Compare Now

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