Care of the plant Artemisia absinthium or Common wormwood |
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The genus Artemisia, family Asteraceae, comprises 500 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to almost all continents. Some species are: Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia afra, Artemisia arborescens, Artemisia pedemontana, Artemisia californica, Artemisia cana, Artemisia rigida. Common names: Common wormwood, Absinthe wormwood, Grand wormwood, Absinthium. This species is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and Northern Africa. They are compact rhizomatous perennial plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The aromatic leaves are silver gray. The flowers, which are not of ornamental interest, appear in hanging yellow heads. They bloom in summer, this time also being the time of harvesting. It has stomach, febrifuge and digestive properties. They are used in borders and rockeries contrasting with plants with reddish or green foliage. With its leaves and flowers, it is possible to flavor liqueurs and prepare infusions. Artemisia absinthium needs full sun exposure and is frost resistant. They can grow in sandy and poor soils but prefer that they contain organic matter and are very well drained. It's a Mediterranean plant resistant to drought; It needs regular watering but with little water. Fertilize with compost or earthworm humus in autumn. To maintain a compact appearance, it's recommended to prune drastically, almost to the base, in the fall. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases; you have to avoid excess watering. They propagate by division or from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the plant Artemisia absinthium or Common wormwood |
 Artemisia absinthium  Artemisia absinthium |