Artemisia abrotanum
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusArtemisia
Zone5
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Artemisia abrotanum, commonly known as Southernwood or Lad's Love, is a subshrub or shrub in the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe, it is known for its aromatic leaves and has been traditionally used in herbal medicine and as a moth repellent. The plant prefers temperate climates and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Japanese Mugwort
Low Shoebutton
Pyrenean Wormwood
Southernwood
White Wormwood
Abrotanum alpestre
Abrotanum ambiguum
Abrotanum brachylobium
Abrotanum congestum
Abrotanum incanescens
Abrotanum mas
Abrotanum pauciflorum
Abrotanum pedunculare
Abrotanum platylobum
Abrotanum pulverulentum
Abrotanum rhodanicum
Abrotanum suave
Abrotanum virgatum
Abrotanum viridulum
Abrotanum xerophilum
Artemisia abrotanifolia
Artemisia altissima
Artemisia anethifolia
Artemisia angustifolia
Artemisia elatior
Artemisia elegans
Artemisia foeniculacea
Artemisia herbacea
Artemisia humilis
Artemisia naronitana
Artemisia paniculata
Artemisia procera
Artemisia tenuissima
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Southernwood thrives in direct bright light and prefers moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil is almost completely dry. The plant enjoys moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme cold. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Soil
Artemisia abrotanum prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in moderately fertile soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 can be applied during the growing season. Fertilize sparingly, as the plant does not require high nutrient concentrations.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Southernwood, but if grown in a container, it can be repotted every 2-3 years. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage and fresh loamy soil.Propagation
Southernwood can be propagated through cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Use a sharp knife to take a 10-15 cm cutting, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until roots develop.Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of Southernwood. Prune in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back to encourage bushier growth.Toxicity
Artemisia abrotanum is not toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to handle plants with care and wash hands after gardening.Additional
Southernwood has a long history of use in traditional medicine and as a natural insect repellent. Its aromatic leaves can be used in potpourri or dried for use in sachets. The plant can also be used as a companion plant in gardens to deter pests.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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