Southernwood (scientifically known as *Artemisia abrotanum*) is a bit of a wild child in the garden. If left to its own devices, it grows into a sprawling bush that can easily crowd out its more polite neighbors. To keep it from taking over your flower beds, you’re going to need to grab your pruning shears. But don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks! Here is the lowdown on when and how to give your Southernwood a haircut.
Once a Year Does the Trick
To keep your Southernwood looking tidy and manageable, one good pruning session a year is usually plenty. I recommend doing this in the spring. Pruning early in the season allows you to really shape the plant’s growth:
- Trim back any unruly branches that are reaching too far outward.
- Thin out the center of the plant to improve airflow.
- Cut back the height if it’s getting a bit too tall for your liking.
By tackling this in the spring, you’ll slow down its frantic growth just enough so that you won’t have to worry about it for the rest of the year.
Fall Pruning Options
If life got in the way and you missed the spring window, you can prune in the fall instead. However, the approach is a bit different: you’ll want to cut the entire plant back close to the ground.
Keep in mind that Southernwood is only moderately winter-hardy. If you live in a chilly climate, make sure to protect the roots with some garden fleece, brushwood, or a thick layer of mulch after a fall cut. If you’re growing yours in a pot, it’s even more sensitive to the cold and should spend the winter indoors. Cutting it back before moving it inside is a great space-saver! When spring rolls around and it’s time to repot, another quick trim can make the whole process much easier to handle.
Taking Cuttings
In our neck of the woods, Southernwood rarely produces flowers, which means seeds are hard to come by. But don’t let that stop you from growing more! You can easily propagate the plant by taking cuttings anytime from spring through summer.
Harvesting for the Kitchen
Southernwood is a fascinating herb that many modern home cooks haven’t discovered yet. It was a staple in kitchens centuries ago before milder herbs like basil took over the spotlight. Today, people are rediscovering its unique bitter notes.
If you want to make a heavy, savory meal a bit easier on the stomach, snip off a few of the young shoot tips. Avoid the older leaves, as they can be way too intense. The best time to harvest is from summer through fall. This is also the perfect time to cut a larger bunch to dry so you have a supply for the winter months.
Pro Tip:
Often called the “Cola Plant” because of its scent, Southernwood is also a handy medicinal herb. It’s traditionally used for stomach, liver, and gallbladder issues, but it also makes a surprisingly soothing tea when you’re fighting off a cold.
