Artemisia abrotanum

RHS Plant Profile
southernwood
southernwood www.gardenworldimages.com

Other common names

boy's love, lad's love, maiden's ruin, maid's love, maid's passion, medicinal wormwood, old man, Sabbath day posy, slovenwood, sweet Benjamin, tall wormwood

Synonyms

Artemisia paniculata
Artemisia procera Willd.

Herbs - Culinary Herbaceous Perennial

An erect sub-shrub to 1m, with very finely divided, pleasantly aromatic grey-green leaves, and small, nodding, dull yellow flowerheads in late summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
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
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