Southernwoods looking a bit poorly

[Ocelot]

Anyone have any experience growing southernwood? This is my first year with this plant, and I have several in pots (very well drained compost).

At the moment they are looking very sorry for themselves, most of the foliage being brown. Should they be put in a more protected spot, or is this normal?

[Nicos]

I inherited some with my garden.
It self seeds everywhere and dies back quite a bit during the winter.
I just cut back the dead stuff in the Spring - or all of it down to 3"
Mine grows in my huge rockery with very little water apart from what's under the stones.
It's in a wind tunnel and has survived -18C with no ill effect.
Naturally young plants are more vunerable- unless another Grape with more experience than me comes along , I'd be tempted to spread yours around the garden a bit and see which spot they prefer???

Where are you keeping yours???

I would think that either your plant's soil is too moist, or it's just going through it's normal semi-hibernation.

[northepaul]

I was going to say, it might have just died back - dont worry I would think it'll come back in spring!

[roitelet]

Is there any chance of a picture? Mine is looking sad now, it looses its leaves quite early in the autumn. I've grown Southernwood for years all from the original plant that was my Grandmothers. The botanical name is Artemesia Arbouretum, not a very long lived plant and better in the ground. Very easy to root from cuttings and will survive -20C and then sudenly die for no reason. I just keep taking cuttings so I have some replacements in the spring. It needs regular trimming or it becomes leggy. One final bit, the dried leaves are moth deterrent.

[Nicos]

Moth deterrent???...oh wow- that's useul to know !

[Ocelot]

I'll take some pics when it's light.

Glad to hear the effects are common. I've put it in a more sheltered area (some plants against walls seem healthier than the others).

I had been looking for this herb for about 10 years before I finally found some this year, so don't want to lose it! I took hald a dozen cuttings or so, and these, paradoxically, seem healthier than the main plant!

I think the soil is fine- It is half compost, half grit.

[Ocelot]

They all seem to be coming back. I was expecting them to be largely evergreen, but they have been completely deciduous throughout the winter.

[roitelet]

They are decidious and mine look like sticks with juse a suggestion of green bits. Wait until it gets going and then prune out any dead wood.

[Leif]

Mine looks awful too, but there are new shoots appearing. I was wondering whether or not to keep it, as it does look so awful over the winter. I grew from a seedling to ~60cm high last year, despite the appalling weather in England.

[roitelet]

Be patient they will be fine, mine look dreadful as well.