Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum)

Also known as: Old-man wormwood, Tangerine southernwood

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) boasts a potent, camphor-like aroma and was historically utilized as a natural air freshener and strewing herb. This aromatic shrub, which gardeners frequently cultivate, features small, narrow, feathery grey-green leaves and yellow flowers.

Propagation is straightforward and can be done through cuttings or root division:
1. For cuttings: In late spring or early summer, take 3-4 inch cuttings from a healthy plant. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, shaded area. Once roots develop, transplant the cutting to its permanent spot.
2. For root division: Dig up an established plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, ensuring each section has both roots and shoots. Replant the sections immediately in prepared soil.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Southernwood

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

91 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green Gray Silver

Flower Size

0.2-0.4 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green White

Images of Southernwood

Quickly Identify Southernwood

Silvery-grey foliage distinguishes southernwood from other plants.

Small, drooping greenish-yellow flowers bloom in late summer.

Finely divided, aromatic leaves with linear lobes offer a feathery texture.

Scientific Classification of Southernwood

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asterales

Family

Daisy

Genus

Mugworts

Species

Southernwood

Planting and Growing of Southernwood

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Southernwood?

Artemisia abrotanum, also known as Southernwood, prefers a moderate watering regime. This plant thrives when the soil is allowed to almost dry out between waterings, encouraging deep root growth akin to its natural habitat. Each watering should be around 250 milliliters, ensuring soil moisture without waterlogging.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Southernwood? ›

What should I do if my Southernwood is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Southernwood? ›

How to save an overwatered Southernwood? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Southernwood?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Artemisia abrotanum's ideal range is full to partial sunlight. Adequate light supports healthy growth, improves foliage color, and bolsters health, aiding in resilience against pests and promoting robust development.

What is the ideal sunlight condition for Artemisia abrotanum? ›

How to ensure Artemisia abrotanum gets its ideal lighting? ›

Why is ideal lighting important for Artemisia abrotanum? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Southernwood?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

The ideal temperature range for Artemisia abrotanum, commonly known as Southernwood, is between 60°F and 70°F. This range promotes optimum growth and ensures the plant maintains its health and vigor. In this temperature range, the metabolic processes of the plant function efficiently, allowing for proper development and flowering. It is essential to maintain these temperatures during the growing season to maximize the plant's aesthetic and aromatic qualities.

What Soil is Best for Southernwood?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Artemisia abrotanum thrives best in well-drained soil that prevents waterlogging. This type of soil allows roots to access oxygen easily, promoting healthy growth and preventing root rot. A garden bed with moderate nutrients ensures the plant receives essential minerals without overwhelming it. This balance supports steady growth and lush foliage. Sandy soil offers excellent drainage and ease of root penetration. These conditions help the plant establish quickly and reduce the likelihood of overwatering damage.

How to Fertilize Southernwood?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Artemisia abrotanum, use approximately half the recommended dose of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This plant prefers leaner soil with not too many nutrients, so be mindful not to overdo it. A light hand will yield fragrant, healthy foliage without causing excessive leaf growth.

How to Prune Southernwood?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin your pruning by identifying and removing any dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Cut back these stems to the base to make room for new growth and prevent potential spread of disease. Next, look for stems that are growing excessively long or outside the desired shape of the plant. Trim these back to a healthy pair of leaves, making angled cuts to promote water runoff and reduce disease risk. Stand back and observe the overall shape of your Artemisia abrotanum. Make additional cuts as needed to create a pleasing, balanced form. This not only enhances the appearance but also promotes even light exposure for all parts of the plant. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Southernwood plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Collect seeds from mature Artemisia abrotanum plants. Choose fresh seeds for higher germination rates. Clean them thoroughly and let them dry before storing them in a cool, dark place until you're ready to plant in spring.

Select a healthy stem with no flowers. Cut a 10-15 cm long piece just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.

In early spring, dig up the mature Artemisia root ball. Use a sharp knife to divide the clump into sections with roots attached. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil, ensuring they are well-watered to encourage establishment.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Southernwood plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Artemisia abrotanum when you notice root proliferation through the drainage holes, soil compaction, or reduced growth rates. These are cues that the plant requires more space and nutrients. Ideally, perform repotting in early spring or summer when the plant is in its active growth phase for best results.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, equipped with ample drainage holes. A slightly larger pot encourages optimal root growth without causing water retention issues, which is crucial as Artemisia prefers drier conditions.

Opt for a well-draining, sandy loam soil mix, which replicates the plant's natural habitat and encourages adequate drainage while retaining essential nutrients. This type of soil mix helps in preventing root rot and promotes healthy root aeration.