Artemisia dracunculus

RHS Plant Profile

tarragon

RHS 2002

Other common names

biting dragon, dragon plant, estragon

Synonyms

Artemisia redowskii

Herbs - Culinary Herbaceous Perennial

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A woody-based, upright, shrubby perennial up to 150cm tall with narrowly lance-shaped, aromatic leaves 2-8 cm long and 5-8 mm wide. Small, nodding, pale yellow flowerheads are produced in late summer. Dry and fresh leaves are used in many dishes, seasoning blends and condiments. There are two main varieties, French tarragon which is highly regarded culinary herb and Russian tarragon which is milder but more hardy

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Columnar upright
Genus: Artemisia can be shrubs, perennials or annuals, evergreen or deciduous, with usually grey, aromatic, often divided foliage and rather insignificant flower-heads
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Europe Russia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained soil in full sun. Protect French tarragon in winter. Follow tarragon cultivation for more advice.

Propagation

Two varieties have different types of propagation. Propagate Russian tarragon by seed and French tarragon semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back to the lowest, new shoots near the base in mid to late spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus