Artemisia dracunculus French
French tarragon
A woody-based, upright perennial with narrowly lance-shaped, aromatic green leaves and small, nodding, pale yellow flowerheads in late summer.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a well-drained soil in full sun. Will struggle in heavy, poorly-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
Pruning
Cut back to the lowest, new shoots near the base in mid to late spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.