Overview
Artemisia abrotanum is a bushy, columnar upright, spreading branched, matforming perennial herb in the genus Artemisia, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous, aromatic, silver-grey, divided leaves foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Artemisia abrotanum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and wall side borders. It is native to Transcaucasus, Austria, Czech Republic, Iran, Syria, Armenia, Lebanon-Syria and North Caucasus.
About
Artemisia abrotanum, the southernwood, lad's love, or southern wormwood, is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family. It is native to Eurasia and Africa but naturalized in scattered locations in North America.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Artemisia abrotanum
About the genus
Artemisia is a large, diverse genus of plants belonging to the daisy family, Asteraceae, with almost 500 species. Common names for various species in the genus include mugwort, wormwood, and sagebrush.
Wikipedia contributors, "Artemisia (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Artemisia (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Artemisia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Artemisia abrotanum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright, Spreading branched, Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Aromatic, Silver-grey, Divided leaves
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
- Native to
- Transcaucasus, Austria, Czech Republic, Iran, Syria, Armenia, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, strong, camphor-like scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Artemisia abrotanum
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Cut back in early spring to encourage bushy growth; remove dead or damaged stems
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Artemisia abrotanum?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Artemisia abrotanum?
Artemisia abrotanum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Artemisia abrotanum need?
Artemisia abrotanum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Artemisia abrotanum?
Cut back in early spring to encourage bushy growth; remove dead or damaged stems.
How big does Artemisia abrotanum grow?
Artemisia abrotanum reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Artemisia abrotanum hardy in the UK?
Artemisia abrotanum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Artemisia abrotanum?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Artemisia genus
- Artemisia 'Coca Cola'
- Artemisia 'Valerie Finnis'
- Artemisia Pontica Roman Wormwood
- Artemisia lactiflora 'Elfenbein'White Mugwort
- Artemisia schmidtiana 'Nana'Silver Mound
- Artemisia 'Boughton Silver'
- Artemisia Indica var. Momiyamae