Artemisia vulgaris
mugwort
An upright, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial growing up to 2.5m tall with aromatic, petiolate, deeply lobed, deep green leaves. Creamy-yellow flowers appear in late Summer as dense, leafy panicles. A well known medicinal plant with edible, bitter leaves that are often used in tea, tinctures and cordials.
Other common names
bulwandfellon herb
see morefelon herb
greenfinger
motherwort
sailor's tobacco
St John's herb
St John's plant
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
How to grow
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
Propagation
Propagate by seed with a period of cold stratification or by division of the rhizome in Spring or Autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Prune back growth to 5-10cm above ground level in Autumn. Remove flower heads to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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