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Herbaceous Perennial

Artemisia pontica

Roman wormwood

A vigorous herbaceous perennial making a spreading clump of upright stems to 75cm, clad in dissected, grey-green, highly aromatic leaves, with small greyish-yellow flowerheads in panicles at the tips of the stems

Other common names
lady's needle
old warrior
see moresmall absinth

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Grey Silver Yellow Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
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
CE 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 in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; divide in spring or in autumn; take stem-tips as greenwood cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Can be cut to the base in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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