southernwood
Artemisia abrotanum
USDA zones4 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellowish-white
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) is a perennial for borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and xeriscape. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average soil of most types. The gray-green leaves are fragrant, and butterflies visit the yellowish-white blooms. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. It grows in a clump, so give it room to spread.
Pairs well with Blue fescue, Stella de Oro daylily, and Creeping thyme.
Native range
Eastern, southern, and and south-central Europe.