Southernwood forms upright, bushy clumps of finely divided grey-green leaves with a strong camphor-like scent, grown mainly for its foliage.
- Height
- 60–122 cm / 2–4 ft
- Spread
- 60–92 cm / 2–3 ft
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Flowering
- Summer
- Maintenance
- Low
- USDA zones
- 4a–8b
Planting
Choose a sunny position with freely draining soil. It tolerates drought and fits dry slopes, rocky borders and planting beside paths where its aromatic leaves can be noticed.
Care
Cut back in autumn and divide clumps every three or four years to maintain vigorous growth. Keep the roots out of persistently damp soil.
Before planting: The plant is toxic if swallowed in large quantities.
Planting Southernwood?
Find a landscaper nearby to help with planting and establishment.
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Sources & photo credit
Plant reference: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Content checked . Flowering seasons vary with local climate; USDA zones describe winter cold tolerance.
- Southernwood: David J.Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- 'Butterfly Blue' pincushion: Cathy DeWitt · CC BY 4.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- 'Dilys' geranium: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- 'Fireball' hibiscus: Cathy DeWitt · CC BY 4.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.