Southernwood
Artemisia abrotanum
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Artemisia abrotanum, commonly known as Southernwood, is a hardy, aromatic shrub with finely divided, silvery-green foliage and small yellowish flowers, often used for its fragrant leaves and traditional medicinal purposes. Known for its highly aromatic, feathery, gray-green foliage that releases a strong camphor or lemon-like scent when bruised. It is often planted in herb gardens and along paths where its fragrance can be enjoyed.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings with water to encourage root growth.
- Ensure plants are in full sun for best development.
- Water sparingly once established, about once every 2 weeks.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water young plants regularly during first season 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Apply compost in spring for healthy growth
Don't
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization which can reduce aromatic qualities
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Southernwood questions
What zones can Southernwood grow in?
Southernwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Southernwood deer resistant?
Yes — Southernwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Southernwood bloom?
Southernwood typically blooms in late summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Southernwood need full sun?
Southernwood does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Southernwood drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Southernwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Artemisia to compare
Artemisia Silver Lining
Artemisia x hybrida 'Silver Lining'
Silver Mound Wormwood
Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound'
Beach Wormwood
Artemisia stelleriana 'Silver Brocade'
Silver King Artemisia
Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver King'
Silver Mound Artemisia
Artemisia schmidtiana 'Nana'
Versicolor Wormwood
Artemisia versicolor
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Southernwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
