Artemisia Absinthium - Wormwood

Growing Information: Grow in well-drained soil and full sun. If necessary, it will tolerate light shade.

Propagation: Take cuttings in spring or sow seed in spring or fall. Space 3 feet apart. Divide as needed.

Possible Problems: May need staking if grown without sufficient sun. Can self-sow and get weedy if not deadheaded. If foliage discolors after flowering, cut entire plant back to resprout. It is subject to fungus in hot humid weather, as are all artemisias. Harvesting and Using: Used to repel moths and as garden accent.

Related Herbs: 'Silver King' artemisia (A. ludoviciana) has silver foliage and handsome silver flower buds that dry easily and are great in wreaths and arrangements. Prefers sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Spreads quickly enough to be considered weedy.

'Silver Mound' artemesia (A. schmidtiana) forms a low mound of finely cut silver leaves. Great for edging an herb garden. Needs well-drained soil of limited fertility and full sun.

Unlike the previous artemisias, perennial mugwort (A. vulgaris) has finely cut green leaves and large yellow panicles of flowers in late summer. Can reach 6 feet high. Give it full sun and well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors in early spring and transplant out after the last spring frost. Once established, it will spread generously. Remove flowers; it self-sows easily.

Southernwood (A. abrotanum) has finely cut, green leaves but it only reaches about 3 feet high. It has a wonderfully strong, almost citrusy aroma used in moth-repellent sachets. Start from cuttings or divisions.

Sweet Annie (A. annua) is an annual that gets to be 10 feet tall with finely divided green leaves, a lovely apple scent, and small yellow flowers. Great for stuffing herb wreaths. Simple to start from seeds and can self-sow prolifically.