In this article, I’ll tell you what makes southernwood so special, how you can easily grow and care for it yourself, and which delicious recipes you can try out at home. You’ll also find out what Hildegard von Bingen wrote about this herb and what you should watch out for to make sure everything goes smoothly. Get ready for a little herbal journey full of fragrance and flavor!
What is southernwood?
Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), also known as cola herb, is a fragrant, perennial plant from the aster family. With its silvery-green, finely feathered leaves and gentle aroma, it brings to mind cola or citrus notes. Many gardeners love it not just as a visual highlight in the herb bed, but also as a natural flavor for teas and syrups.
Botany and Flowering
Southernwood grows upright and bushy, reaching up to 60 cm tall. Between July and September, it shows off its delicate, yellowish-green flower clusters, which attract bees and butterflies in particular.
Flowering period: July to September
Color: Yellowish-green
Pollinators: Bees, butterflies
A quick tip: The fine leaves keep their color and fragrance best if you harvest them early in the morning when it’s dry.
Growing, Care, and Propagation
Southernwood is pretty undemanding, but it does need well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered spot. Avoid waterlogging, as it can quickly cause root rot.
Care Tips
Water regularly but moderately—if it dries out, the leaves lose their aroma.
In spring, cut it back to about 10 cm above the ground to encourage bushy growth.
Propagation
The easiest way is by taking cuttings:
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In late spring, cut a healthy shoot (about 10 cm long).
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Remove the lower leaves and stick the cutting into moist seed compost.
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Place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight until roots form.
| Topic | Location | Watering | Pruning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil | Well-drained, humus-rich | Evenly | Late winter/spring |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | Moderately | After main flowering |
| Propagation | Cuttings, division | Only when dry | Spring |
In the Kitchen: Recipes for Syrup & Schnapps
The spicy southernwood gives drinks an unusual freshness. Here are two easy recipes:
Syrup
500 g sugar
1 l water
1 bunch southernwood
1 organic lemon (sliced)
Bring everything to a boil, let it cool, and strain through a fine sieve. Perfect for lemonades and cocktails.
Schnapps
100 g fresh leaves
500 ml vodka or grain spirit
Put the leaves in a glass jar, cover with alcohol, and let it infuse for 2 weeks. Then strain and store in a cool place.
Southernwood Tea: Preparation and Tips
Southernwood tea is a classic in herbal lore and is loved by many. Here’s how to make it:
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Put 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves in a cup.
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Pour over 200 ml of hot (not boiling) water.
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Let it steep for 5–8 minutes, then strain.
Taste: Slightly bitter with a fresh, lemony note—a unique flavor experience.
Note: Sensitive people may experience digestive discomfort. Do not use during pregnancy.
Southernwood in Hildegard’s Teachings
Hildegard von Bingen already gave southernwood special attention in her writings. It contains essential oils, including cineole and thujone, which give it its typical scent. People allergic to asters should be careful. Check out our Herbs and spices according to Hildegard’s teachings too.
In Hildegard’s records, it’s described how southernwood was warmed in a small pot and used as a compress.
Lookalikes and Safety Notes
Southernwood should not be confused with toxic Artemisia species like mugwort or wormwood.
Southernwood leaves: finely divided, silvery
Wormwood: thicker, matte gray, aromatic and bitter
A quick smell test can help: southernwood smells fresh and lemony, other types are more bitter and herbal.
How to Buy and Store Southernwood Properly
If you want to buy southernwood, look for healthy, strong plants or certified dried leaves (tea quality). Dried herb is best kept in airtight jars, in a dark, dry place—this way, the aroma lasts up to a year.
Conclusion
Southernwood is a real all-rounder: from its lovely scent in the herb bed to its many uses in tea, syrup, and schnapps, and its long tradition in herbal lore—it keeps surprising you. With a little care and the right spot, it’ll become not just a decorative highlight, but your own personal aroma wonder in the garden or on the balcony.
Feel free to try out the recipes and preparations above and discover how this silvery-green herb can enrich your everyday life. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing evening tea or give a refreshing drink that special something—southernwood is ready to join you on your little herbal journey. Have fun planting, enjoying, and experimenting!
