Artemisia abrotanum
southernwood
An erect sub-shrub to 1m, with very finely divided, pleasantly aromatic grey-green leaves, and small, nodding, dull yellow flowerheads in late summer
Other common names
boy's lovelad's love
see moremaiden's ruin
maid's love
maid's passion
medicinal wormwood
old man
Sabbath day posy
slovenwood
sweet Benjamin
tall wormwood
Synonyms
Artemisia paniculataArtemisia procera Willd.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- E, S and SC Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile well-drained soil in sun. Can die back in heavy, poorly-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning Group 7 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
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