Southernwood (lad’s love) Artemisia abrotanum
Southernwood (lad’s love) (Artemisia abrotanum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asteraceae family, native to Uncertain after long cultivation; probably south-eastern Europe to western Asia. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Southernwood (lad’s love) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Southernwood (lad’s love) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Uncertain after long cultivation; probably south-eastern Europe to western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Southernwood (lad’s love) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, flowers, oil
Contains thujone-type oils: not to be eaten or taken as a medicine. Wormwoods are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Southernwood (lad’s love)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Southernwood (lad’s love)
- How far apart should I plant Southernwood (lad’s love)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Southernwood (lad’s love) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Southernwood (lad’s love) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Southernwood (lad’s love)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Southernwood (lad’s love) flower?
- From about August for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Southernwood (lad’s love) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains thujone-type oils: not to be eaten or taken as a medicine. Wormwoods are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Southernwood (lad’s love)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Southernwood (lad’s love). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Feathery, lemon-camphor-scented foliage on a semi-woody bush; used in cottage-garden hedging and hung in wardrobes against moths. Rarely flowers in cool summers. Cut back hard in spring.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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