Artemisia abrotanum 'Silver'


Common name(s): silver southernwood, silver southern wormwood


Description: perennial; 'Silver' is a selection of A. abrotanum with silver-gray foliage as opposed to the gray-green foliage that is more typical of the species. Southernwood is an ancient herb used for medicine, sachets, potpourris and as an air freshener and insect repellent. Strongly aromatic, feathery foliage smells of camphor and dries well. Forms a low, semi-deciduous shrub that is decidedly longer-lived with utter neglect. 


Height: to 1 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.


Position: full sun and well-draining soil


Uses: ornamental, medicine, potpourri, sachet, as an insect repellent


Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below


Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought

Care: can be relentlessly pruned or shaped anytime from spring-autumn to refresh form and foliage.