With its sprawling, bushy branches, Southernwood gives us so much lush greenery that you’ll definitely need to keep your pruning shears handy. However, it doesn’t always show that same enthusiasm when it comes to blooming. While the plant has the potential for plenty of flowers, they are a bit of a rare sight here. And hey, don’t blame yourself—it’s almost never the gardener’s fault; it’s usually just the weather!
Southernwood Craves the Heat!
Southernwood (scientifically known as *Artemisia abrotanum*) would love to show off its blossoms in our neck of the woods, but it rarely gets the chance. It’s missing one essential ingredient for flower production: consistent, intense sunshine! We’re not just talking about a sunny afternoon here and there; it needs long stretches of high temperatures to really get going. On the rare occasion that we have an exceptionally warm year, you might see the plant start to bud:
- The blooming period starts in August and lasts through the fall.
- The basket-like flowers are tiny and yellow.
- They appear in clusters on flower spikes about 8 to 12 inches long.
Why It’s Worth Growing (Even Without Blooms)
To be honest, the flower spikes aren’t exactly “showstoppers” in the decorative sense—they’re pretty understated. So, don’t be too disappointed if they don’t show up. In fact, the real star of the show is the foliage! And luckily, Southernwood delivers those feathery leaves reliably year after year. They are packed with bitter compounds and other healthy properties, which is why Southernwood was a staple herb for seasoning and healing in centuries past. Today, it’s making a big comeback in modern herb gardens.
Quick Tip:
When harvesting, stick to clipping just the tips of the shoots; they have a much milder flavor than the older leaves. You can harvest the herb fresh throughout the summer and fall, or dry it to keep your pantry stocked for the rest of the year.
Propagation via Cuttings
In warmer climates, Southernwood is easily grown from seed. But since our plants rarely bloom, we can’t exactly rely on collecting seeds that never formed! The good news is you don’t have to miss out on new plants. You can easily propagate Southernwood using cuttings. Just snip some healthy stems in the spring or summer, and you’ll have new starts in no time.
