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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Artemisia absinthium

wormwood

An upright deciduous perennial, with finely divided, highly aromatic grey-green foliage and rather insignificant yellowish flowers in late summer. Has many medicinal benefits and can also be made to create the potent alcoholic drink, absinthe

Other common names
absinth
absinthe
see morecommon wormwood
girdle of St John
green ginger
holy seed
lad's love
mingwort
old man
old woman
St John's girdle
warmot
wermod lwyd

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
Yes
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

Correct

Plant range
Europe, Asia, N Africa

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. Root stem tips or heeled sideshoots as greenwood cuttings in early summer.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning Group 7 Cut back to the lowest, new shoots near the base in mid to late spring

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and a gall midge

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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