How to Grow Southernwood
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Southernwood
Artemisia abrotanum
herbSouthernwood is a semi-evergreen perennial shrub in the Artemisia genus, native to southern Europe. It's prized for its finely divided, feathery foliage with a distinctive lemony-citrus fragrance. The plant produces small yellow flowers in late summer and has been traditionally used in gardens for centuries.
When should you plant Southernwood in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Southernwood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Southernwood
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Southernwood
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Southernwood dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Southernwood timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall delicate seedlings with tiny feathery leaves emerge. Plants are fragile and require consistent moisture.
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through mid-summer, first year and ongoingPlant develops distinctive, finely divided, thread-like foliage in an airy mound. Stems become woody at base.
Reduce watering as plant establishes. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier form. Provide full sun for best foliage development.
Flowering
Late July through SeptemberTiny yellow flowers appear on panicles at stem tips in late summer to early fall. Flowers are small but abundant.
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and maintain plant appearance. Flowers can be dried for arrangements or potpourri.
Dormancy/Winter
October through MarchPlant becomes semi-evergreen; foliage may diminish but often remains on plant. Growth slows significantly.
Reduce watering during dormancy. In cold zones, mulch lightly around base after ground freezes. Prune back in early spring.
Mature Shrub
Year 2 onwardsEstablished plants form woody, multi-stemmed shrubs 3-4 feet tall and wide with dense, fragrant foliage.
Prune annually in early spring to remove dead wood and maintain shape. Very low maintenance once established.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe. Ensure good air circulation. Rarely a serious problem.
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Spray with strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Plant is generally pest-resistant.
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Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering frequency. Plant in raised beds if soil is poorly drained.
Uses
Herbal Flavoring & Tea
CulinarySouthernwood's lemon-scented leaves can be used sparingly to flavor beverages, desserts, and savory dishes. Young tender leaves make a pleasant citrus herb tea with digestive properties. [source]
Moth & Insect Repellent
HouseholdDried southernwood leaves have traditionally been placed in linen closets, drawers, and wardrobes to repel moths, fleas, and other insects. The aromatic compounds are naturally insecticidal. [source]
Traditional Digestive & Anthelmintic Remedy
MedicinalHistorically used as a tea to improve digestion, expel parasites, and treat fever. Contains compounds with antimicrobial properties, though modern medical evidence is limited. [source]
Dried Flower & Foliage Arrangements
CraftThe delicate yellow flowers and feathery foliage dry beautifully and retain color and fragrance for months, making them ideal for dried arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeSmall yellow flowers attract bees and beneficial insects. Grown in cottage gardens and herb borders, southernwood provides late-season nectar and serves as habitat for pollinators. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest foliage anytime during the growing season once plant is established (after first year). Pinch or cut stems from the top to encourage bushiness. Best flavor and fragrance occur before flowering. Cut stems can be used fresh or dried. For drying, cut in late morning after dew dries, hang upside down in bundles in a cool, dark, airy location for 2-3 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Southernwood is also called 'Lad's Love' or 'Old Man' due to its traditionally strong connection to love charms and coming-of-age rituals in Victorian gardens.
- 🌱 The plant's fragrance intensifies when foliage is brushed or touched, releasing oils that were prized by herbalists for their aromatic and medicinal properties.
- 🌱 Southernwood has been cultivated in European gardens since at least the 16th century and appears in period herb garden designs and herbals dating back centuries.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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