Artemisia abrotanum 'Coca-Cola'

RHS Plant Profile

southernwood 'Coca-Cola'

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Synonyms

Artemisia abrotanum 'Cola'
Seriphidium maritimum 'Coca-Cola'
Artemisia maritima 'Coca-Cola'

Shrubs

A woody-based, deciduous perennial to around 90cm in height, with aromatic, feathery sage-green leaves which smell faintly of coca-cola. Spikes of small, insignificant yellow flowerheads appear in summer to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

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

Position

Full sun

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or 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: 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: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun on well-drained soil, applying mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Drought tolerant once established but water occasionally during dry periods. Avoid over-feeding as this can reduce the fragrance of the foliage

Propagation

Propagate from softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Prune in spring to keep bushy, maintain shape and encourage new growth

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free