How to Grow a Wormwood Plant

Sometimes called mugwort, wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a woody perennial sub-shrub noted for its fragrant, silvery foliage and tolerance for poor growing conditions. It grows best within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, where it is widely used as an ornamental foliage plant in xeric, or low-water, landscaping. Wormwood requires minimal upkeep or care once established in a sunny site with fast-draining soil. However, the plants will look better and live longer if watered occasionally during the summer months and pruned periodically to refresh their foliage.


Grow wormwood in full sun to ensure its long-term health and attractive appearance. Prune back overhanging shrubbery or tree branches to eliminate shade that might interfere with the plant's growth.


Water wormwood regularly during its first summer in the garden. Provide an inch of water every seven to 10 days. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent fungal infections of the stems and roots.


Decrease water drastically once the wormwood plant is established. Provide water every two to three weeks in summer. Increase water by half during periods of extreme heat or drought. Withhold all supplemental water during rainy or very humid weather.


Feed wormwood plants only if the soil is heavily sand based. Top-dress around the plant with a 2-inch layer of compost, or feed the roots with 15-15-15 ratio fertilizer diluted to 1/5 strength. Water thoroughly before applying the fertilizer to avoid root burn.


Deadhead wormwood plants during the summer months to prevent self-seeding and to improve its general appearance. Snip off the faded flowers at the base and discard them. Rake up and discard any seeds that spill onto the soil.




Prune the wormwood plant in autumn to encourage a bushier shape and more attractive foliage the following year. Cut back the entire plant to a height of 2 inches. Discard the pruned material into a green waste can instead of composting it.


Watch for signs of illness such as drooping stems with limp, discolored foliage. Withhold watering for one week. Test the moisture level in the soil at a depth of 3 inches; if it still feels moist after one week, transplant the wormwood into a bed with better drainage.


Divide and transplant wormwood plants every two to three years in autumn. Lift the entire rootball. Cut the outer portion into sections with an equal share of roots and stems. Discard the center of the plant. Replant the divisions 1 to 2 feet apart into a sunny bed with poor, fast-draining soil.

Things You Will Need

  • Garden hose
  • 15-15-15 ratio fertilizer
  • Pruning shears


  • Wormwood is mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities, so wash your hands thoroughly after working with it and plant it away from where children and pets play.

About the Author


Suggest a Correction