Artemisia abrotanum Compositae

CULTIVATION A hardy semi-evergreen perennial, southernwood has aromatic, grey-green, feathery or deeply indented, fern-like leaves. It grows to a height of 60cm-1m (2-3ft) and prefers light, well-drained soil and full sun. Grow it at a slight distance from culinary and medicinal herbs and give it a summer trim. A good companion plant in a hot, dry border where its foliage can soften the edge. It can usefully be grown in the vegetable garden and orchard, too, as the herb has insecticidal properties, in particular as a deterrent to cabbage butterflies. Propagate it by sowing seeds in spring or taking hardwood cuttings in late summer, planting them 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart. Harvest the leaves at any time of year. A lovely border and hedging herb.