Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
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❤️ Why you'll love it
A hardy perennial herb grown for its strongly aromatic, silvery-grey foliage and upright, bushy habit. The finely divided leaves give it a soft, feathery appearance, making it a useful structural plant in herb gardens, gravel gardens, and dry borders.
🌿 Details
How to look after Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in the UK
Position & Light:
Grow in full sun in an open position. Wormwood is a hardy perennial herb grown for its strongly aromatic, finely cut, silvery-grey foliage and small, pale yellow flowers in late summer. It suits herb gardens, gravel gardens, dry borders and sunny banks, where its silvery foliage makes a good foil for brightly coloured flowers.
Soil & Watering:
Plant in very well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil, including chalky, sandy and stony ground. Wormwood dislikes heavy, wet soil. Water regularly after planting until established, then it is very drought tolerant and rarely needs extra water.
Feeding:
No feeding is needed. It thrives in poor soil, and rich soil produces soft, floppy, less aromatic growth.
Pruning & Maintenance:
Cut plants back by about half in spring to encourage fresh, compact, bushy growth, taking care not to cut into old, bare wood. Trim after flowering if plants become leggy. Plants become woody after a few years, so take softwood cuttings in early summer or divide to renew. Wormwood can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, so keep it away from vegetables and delicate plants. It is very bitter, and it is toxic in large quantities, so do not eat it, and keep it away from children and pets.
Common Problems:
- Rotting: Caused by wet, heavy soil. Improve drainage with grit.
- Floppy, open growth: Caused by shade, rich soil or lack of pruning. Choose a sunny spot and cut back in spring.
- Inhibiting neighbours: Wormwood can stunt nearby plants. Plant it on its own or away from vegetables.
- Self-seeding: Can self-seed. Remove seed heads if not wanted.
- Pests: Mostly trouble-free, though aphids may occasionally appear.
Supplied bare root, carefully packed with a moisture source to ensure freshness.
Plant height: approximately 10cm.
Please remember that most plants (except Evergreens) are dormant in Autumn/Winter so your order may have no leaves until Spring.
🪴 What Does Bare Root Mean?
Our plants have their full root systems but are carefully removed from the pot and soil before delivery.
The roots are wrapped in moist material and eco-friendly packaging to keep them fresh during transit.
It's less messy, reduces waste, and allows the plant to settle into your garden more easily once planted.
🌱 Sustainably Grown in Britain
Plants are sustainably grown and harvested at our nursery in the South West UK, without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Packaged using biodegradable materials for an eco-conscious delivery.
📜 Certified & Compliant
We are APHA-authorized for Plant Passports: your assurance that our plants are healthy, pest-free, and meet UK plant health regulations.
🚚 Combined Postage & Fast Dispatch
No extra delivery charge when you buy multiple plants from us! Simply add all the plants you love to your basket and pay one flat delivery fee at checkout.
Shipped via UPS Express, so they are in transit for less than 24 hours: includes care cards tailored to each plant you order.
Orders are sent out at the beginning of each week to reduce time in transit,
see Delivery information.
📌 Planting Advice
Upon arrival, plant immediately in a cool, shaded spot (indoors or outdoors) and water thoroughly.
Once new growth appears, move to the final growing location.
💚 Our Guarantee
If your plant doesn't survive delivery*, just send us a photo and we'll send a replacement (or issue a refund).
No hassle, no worries.
* provided you accept the first delivery attempt