Species Northern Wormwood
lime fruits and green foliage on red-brown stems

Northern Wormwood

Artemisia borealis subsp. borealis

Northern Wormwood is a fascinating shrub species found in the alpine regions of northern Europe and North America. It has silver-gray foliage and a tall, branching habit of up to six feet. The foliage has aromatic properties and has long been used as an herbal remedy across many cultures. The plant’s flowers are small and yellow in color, and bloom from July to September. It can be used as an ornamental species, both in garden and wild settings, adding color and fragrance. Its hardiness and long-lasting colors make it an attractive choice for landscaping. Northern Wormwood is an adaptable species, and can be incorporated into a variety of projects – from creating a focal point to a natural privacy screen.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Northern Wormwood should be watered once a week, using roughly 1 quart of water. It prefers soil with good drainage and should be watered until the soil is moderately moist. As the plant matures, water more frequently and deeply, providing enough water to keep the soil from drying out completely, but not so much that it becomes soggy. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Other than that, Northern Wormwood is drought tolerant and watering too frequently can actually be damaging to the plant.

sunlight

Northern Wormwood requires about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day, with preferably direct sunlight during the summer months. Most northern climates will be suitable for this plant species, however it can be grown in more temperate regions with adaptations to its soil requirements and sunlight duration. In the spring, the plant may need up to 8 to 10 hours of sunlight, which should be filtered with shade cloth or other protective coverage in the afternoon. Northern Wormwood typically flowers from mid-summer onwards in July and August, which is when plenty of sunlight is necessary for its growth and flowering. In the fall and winter months, Northern Wormwood will require a reduced amount of sunlight, usually 3 to 5 hours per day. Additionally, it may need additional shading in winter to protect it from the cold temperatures.

pruning

Northern Wormwood should be pruned in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. It does not require much pruning; the only necessary task is to remove dead or damaged stems. This will help to encourage growth and flowering, and may even help to prevent disease. The plant can be cut back to within a few inches of the ground. If the plant is overgrown, it can be cut back to a more manageable size. It is important to prune before flowering begins, as this prevents the plant from going into seed prematurely.