Species mugwort
Silvery-green leaves on gray-lime stalks.

mugwort

Artemisia afra

Mugwort (Artemisia afra) is an amazing plant species that has many beneficial uses. It's an all-purpose herb that grows abundantly in many parts of the world and has long been used in many traditional Chinese and European medicines. Mugwort has been known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties and can be used to help treat digestive complaints, mild skin infections, muscle cramps, and anxiety. It also has a pleasant smell and has been used as a tea to both aid digestion and as a calming, soothing relaxant. Its wide range of uses makes mugwort an incredible medicinal and culinary resource, and its anti-inflammatory properties can be used to help boost the immune system.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Mugwort (Artemisia afra) should be watered when the topsoil feels dry and light when touched, allowing you to absorb the extra moisture. During the growing season, water your mugwort once a week or every other week. Make sure to water your mugwort deeply, saturating the soil and allowing it to fully absorb the water. During this time, mugwort can benefit from a weekly deep water session. In periods of hot weather, you may need to increase your watering to once every 4-5 days or daily. During winter when your mugwort is somewhat dormant, you can reduce watering to about once every 2-3 weeks. Make sure to never allow your mugwort to dry out completely as this can stress the plant and adversely impact on its growth.

sunlight

For mugwort (Artemisia afra), it is most successful when it is in full sun for at least 6 hours a day. If given more sun, the plant might grow very quickly, but it may also be more prone to disease. During the hottest days of summer, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from burning. During the winter months, the plant offers its best look when placed in a south or southwest-facing window.

pruning

Mugwort (Artemisia afra) is a herbaceous plant that does best when it is pruned regularly. Depending on the variety, pruning should be done once or twice a year. These plants typically benefit from late winter pruning that removes the older, more leggy growth and encourages vigorous new buds. On a yearly basis, removing 1-third of the oldest canes at the base can help to promote healthy, full growth. Once the new growth begins in the spring, it can be beneficial to pinch off the tips of the side shoots to promote bushiness. Summer pruning can also be done in order to reduce the plant’s size or to maintain desired shape, but it should be done with care as mugwort can become easily stressed in the hotter months.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Mugwort typically starts flowering in July.

Hardiness Map