Southernwood

Also knoivn as Lad's Love and Old Man. From the family Compositae. This lovely aromatic plant is a native of southern Europe. It has been introduced to many countries and is now naturalized widely in temperate zones. The derivation of the genus name is unclear. One suggestion is that it honors Artemisia, a famous botanist and medical researcher, sister of King Mausolus (353 BC). Another is that it was named after Artemis or Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt and Moon. In the 17th century, Culpeper recommended that the ashes of southernwood be mingled with salad oil as a remedy for baldness.

Species

Artemisia abrotanum

Southernwood

Deciduous or semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Ht and spread lm (40in). Tiny insignificant clusters of dull yellow flowers in summer. The abundant olive green feathery leaves are finely divided and carry a unique scent.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

It rarely flowers and sets seeds, except in warm climates. Cuttings Take softwood cuttings in spring from the lush new growth, or from semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Roots well. It can be wintered as a rooted cutting, when it sheds its leaves and is dormant. Keep the cuttings on the dry side, and in early spring slowly start watering. Plant out 60cm (24in) apart after the frosts have finished.

Pests and Diseases

It is free from the majority of pests and disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Cut back to maintain shape. Take cuttings.

Summer: Take cuttings.

Autumn: Trim any flowers off as they develop.

Winter: Protect the roots in hard winters with mulch.

Garden Cultivation

Southernwood prefers a light soil containing well-rotted organic material in a sunny position. However tempted you are by its bedraggled appearance in winter (hence its name, Old Man) NEVER cut hard back as you will kill it. This growth protects its woody stems from cold winds. Cut the bush hard in spring to keep its shape, but only after the frosts have finished.

Harvest

Pick leaves during the growing season for use fresh. Pick leaves for drying in mid-summer.

Culinary

The leaves can be used in salads. They have a strong flavor, so use sparingly. It does also make a good aromatic vinegar.

Medicinal

It can be used for expelling worms and to treat coughs and bronchial catarrh. A compress helps to treat frost bite, cuts and grazes.

Other uses

The French call it Garde Robe; use it as a moth repellent. It is a good fly deterrent, too - hang bunches up in the kitchen, or rub it on the skin to deter mosquitoes.