About
Artemisia vulgaris is a robust, herbaceous perennial that can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters. It features aromatic, petiole-bearing leaves that are deeply lobed and a rich green hue. In late summer, the plant produces creamy-yellow flowers arranged in dense clusters among the foliage. This species is recognized for its medicinal properties and its leaves, which have a bitter taste, can be utilized in teas, tinctures, and cordials.
About the genus
Artemisia includes a variety of plants such as shrubs, perennials, and annuals, which can be either evergreen or deciduous. The leaves are typically gray, aromatic, and often have a divided appearance. The flower heads tend to be inconspicuous.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a moist but well drained loamy soil in full sun or partial shade. It is a fast growing and prolific self seeder so remove flower heads to prevent it spreading. Prune back in Autumn to encourage healthy, vigorous growth the following Spring
- Pruning
- Prune back growth to 5-10cm above ground level in Autumn. Remove flower heads to prevent self-seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed with a period of cold stratification or by division of the rhizome in Spring or Autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus