In this article, I'll tell you what makes southernwood so special, how to easily grow and care for it yourself, and which delicious recipes you can easily try at home. You'll also learn about the healing powers of its silvery-green leaves and what to look out for to ensure nothing goes wrong. 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 in the daisy family. With its silvery-green, finely pinnate 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 garden but also as a natural flavoring for teas and syrups.
Botany and flowers
Southernwood forms an upright, branched growth up to 60 cm tall. Between July and September, it displays its delicate, yellowish-green inflorescences, which primarily attract bees and butterflies.
Flowering time: July to September
Color: Yellowish-green
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
A little tip: The delicate leaves retain their color and fragrance if you harvest them early in the morning in dry weather.
Cultivation, care and propagation
Southernwood is relatively undemanding, but requires well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered location. Waterlogging should be avoided, as it can quickly lead to root rot.
Care tips
Water regularly but moderately – drying out will cause the leaves to lose their aroma.
Prune in spring to about 10 cm above the ground to encourage bushy growth.
Reproduction
The simplest method is propagation by cuttings:
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In late spring, cut off a healthy shoot (approx. 10 cm).
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Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in moist potting soil.
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Place in a bright location out of direct sunlight until roots form.
| Theme | Location | Pour | cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor | Permeable, humus | Evenly | Late winter/spring |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | Moderate | After the main flowering |
| Reproduction | Cuttings, division | Only in dry conditions | spring |
Use in the kitchen: Recipes for syrup & liquor
Spicy southernwood adds an unusual freshness to drinks. Here are two simple recipes:
syrup
500 g sugar
1 liter of water
1 bunch southernwood
1 organic lemon (sliced)
Bring everything to a boil, let it cool, and pour through a fine sieve. Perfect for lemonades and cocktails.
schnapps
100 g fresh leaves
500 ml vodka or grain alcohol
Place the leaves in a glass jar, pour over the alcohol, and let it steep for two weeks. Then filter and store in a cool place.
Southernwood tea: preparation, effects & side effects
Southernwood tea is a classic remedy for mild digestive problems and is often described as soothing. Here's how:
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Put 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves into 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.
Effect:
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Digestive
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Mildly antispasmodic
Side effects: Sensitive individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not use during pregnancy.
Healing effects and health aspects
Hildegard von Bingen used southernwood for its digestive and antispasmodic properties. It contains essential oils, including cineole and thujone, which give it its characteristic aroma. People with allergies to daisy family plants should be careful.
Preparation: Heat southernwood in a small pot and apply to the painful joints.Application: Gout and rheumatism
Confusion and safety instructions
Southernwood should not be confused with poisonous Artemisia species such as mugwort or wormwood.
Southernwood leaves : finely feathered, silvery
Wormwood : thick, dull grey, aromatically bitter
A quick smell test can help: Southernwood smells fresh and lemony, while other varieties are more tart and bitter.
Buying and storing southernwood correctly
If you want to buy southernwood, look for healthy, vigorous plants or certified dried leaves (tea quality). Dried herbs are best stored in airtight jars in a dark, dry place, so the aroma will last for up to a year.
Conclusion
Southernwood is a true all-rounder: From its sweet fragrance in the herb garden to its diverse uses in tea, syrup, and liquor, to its soothing, digestive properties, it never ceases to amaze. With a little care and the right location, it will not only become a decorative eye-catcher, but also your personal aromatic wonder in the garden or on the balcony.
Feel free to experiment with the recipes and preparations presented and discover how versatile this silvery-green herb can be in your everyday life. Whether you're enjoying a relaxing evening tea or want to add a certain something to a refreshing drink, southernwood is ready to accompany you on your little herbal journey. Have fun planting, enjoying, and experimenting! 😊🌱