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 at home with ease. You'll also find out what Hildegard von Bingen wrote about this herb and what to watch out for so nothing goes wrong. Get ready for a little herb journey full of fragrance and flavour!
What is Southernwood?
Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), also known as cola herb, is a fragrant, perennial plant from the daisy family. With its silvery-green, finely feathered leaves and gentle aroma, it is reminiscent of cola or citrus notes. Many gardeners value it not only as a visual accent in the herb bed, but also as a natural source of flavour for teas and syrups.
Botany and Flowering
Southernwood forms an upright, branched growth of up to 60 cm in height. Between July and September it displays its delicate, yellowish-green flower clusters, which attract bees and butterflies in particular.
Flowering period: July to September
Colour: Yellowish-green
Pollinators: Bees, butterflies
A small tip: The fine leaves retain their colour and fragrance when harvested early in the morning during dry weather.
Cultivation, Care and Propagation
Southernwood is relatively undemanding, but requires well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered position. Waterlogging should be avoided, as it can quickly lead to root rot.
Care Tips
Water regularly but moderately – allowing it to dry out causes the leaves to lose their aroma.
In spring, cut back to about 10 cm above the ground to encourage bushy growth.
Propagation
The simplest method is propagation by cuttings:
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Cut a healthy shoot in late spring (approx. 10 cm).
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Remove the lower leaves and insert the cutting into moist propagation compost.
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Place in a bright spot out of direct sunlight until roots form.
| Topic | Location | Watering | Pruning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil | Well-drained, humus-rich | Even | Late winter/spring |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | Moderate | After main flowering |
| Propagation | Cuttings, division | Only in dry spells | Spring |
Use in the Kitchen: Recipes for Syrup & Schnapps
The aromatic southernwood lends drinks an unusual freshness. Here are two simple recipes:
Syrup
500 g sugar
1 l water
1 bunch of southernwood
1 organic lemon (sliced)
Bring everything to the boil, leave to cool and pour through a fine sieve. Perfect for lemonades and cocktails.
Schnapps
100 g fresh leaves
500 ml vodka or grain spirit
Place the leaves in a glass jar, pour over the alcohol and leave to infuse for 2 weeks. Then filter and store in a cool place.
Southernwood Tea: Preparation and Notes
Southernwood tea is a classic in herbalism and is appreciated by many. Here's how:
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Place 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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Leave to steep for 5–8 minutes, then strain.
Taste: Slightly bitter with a fresh, citrusy note – a unique flavour experience.
Note: Sensitive individuals may experience gastrointestinal complaints. Do not use during pregnancy.
Southernwood in Hildegard's Teaching
Hildegard von Bingen already devoted special attention to southernwood in her writings. It contains essential oils, including cineole and thujone, which are responsible for its characteristic scent. People with allergies to plants of the daisy family should exercise caution. Also discover our herbs and spices according to Hildegard's teaching.
In Hildegard's traditions it is described how southernwood was warmed in a small pot and used as a poultice.
Confusions and Safety Notes
Southernwood must not be confused with poisonous Artemisia species such as mugwort or wormwood.
Southernwood leaves: finely feathered, silvery
Wormwood: thicker, dull grey, aromatically bitter
A quick smell test can help: southernwood smells fresh and citrusy, while other varieties tend to be herbally bitter.
Buying and Storing Southernwood Correctly
If you want to buy southernwood, look for healthy, vigorous plants or certified dried leaves (tea quality). Dried herb is best kept in airtight jars, in a dark and dry place – this way the aroma is preserved for up to a year.
Conclusion
Southernwood is a true all-rounder: from its lovely fragrance in the herb bed to its many uses in tea, syrup and schnapps, through to its long tradition in herbalism – it will surprise you time and again. With a little care and the right location, it will become not only a decorative eye-catcher, but also your personal aroma wonder in the garden or on the balcony.
Feel free to try out the recipes and preparations presented here and discover how versatile this silvery-green herb can enrich your everyday life. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing evening tea or add a certain something to a refreshing drink – southernwood is ready to accompany you on your little herb journey. Enjoy planting, savouring and experimenting!
