Southernwood

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) is a feathery, silver-green perennial in the wormwood family with a sharp, camphor-like scent sometimes described as "lad's love" in old English gardens, where sprigs were traditionally tucked into bouquets given by young suitors. It's grown almost entirely today as an aromatic, textural ornamental.

Growing Southernwood

Southernwood thrives in lean, well-drained soil and full sun, much like its wormwood and tarragon relatives, and can grow into a substantial, shrubby mound over a few seasons. An annual spring pruning keeps it tidy and encourages fresh, fragrant new growth rather than woody, overgrown stems.

Traditional Uses

Southernwood's pungent scent was historically used in sachets to repel moths from stored linens and clothing, a use that persists among gardeners who prefer a natural alternative to mothballs. It sees virtually no culinary use today given its strong, bitter, medicinal flavor.