Wormwood: Growing Silvery Artemisia with a Bitter Scent
Herbs

Wormwood: Growing Silvery Artemisia with a Bitter Scent

Artemisia absinthium

Growing wormwood: perennial herb with silvery foliage and bitter scent. Full sun, poor well-drained soil, hardy and very drought-resistant.

Characteristics

Scientific nameArtemisia absinthium
Height60-120 cm
Sunlightpieno sole
Waterbassa
Soildrenante povero
Toxicitylievemente tossica
Growthmedia
Temperature-20 a 32 °C
FloweringJul, Aug, Sep
IrrigationWater rarely: only in the first months and during very dry summers; mature plants tolerate drought extremely well.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial herb with distinctive silvery foliage and an intense bitter scent, the historic base of liqueurs such as absinthe. It grows in full sun on poor, well-drained soil, very hardy and drought-resistant. Ideal in borders, Mediterranean and gravel gardens.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: bassa — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: drenante povero. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Can wormwood be grown near other plants?
With caution: it releases allelopathic compounds that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. Keep it isolated or at a safe distance from vegetables and delicate flowers.
How do I prune wormwood?
Prune in late winter, cutting stems back by about half to encourage a compact clump and fresh foliage. A light trim after flowering stops it from flopping open.

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