Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Overview

Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known as Mugwort, is an upright, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial prized for its aromatic, deeply lobed foliage which is deep green above and silvery-white beneath. This plant thrives in varied conditions, often establishing itself readily where other ornamental species struggle. Its resilience makes it a notable addition to landscapes seeking low-water or difficult soil solutions.

Originating from Europe through Asia, the species has naturalized widely, offering gardeners a robust, fast-growing texture. While sometimes viewed as weedy due to its spreading nature, Mugwort provides excellent coverage and is particularly valuable for stabilizing poor, dry soils where less aggressive plants fail. The visual contrast of its foliage brightens partially shaded or full-sun borders.

Beyond its landscape utility, Artemisia vulgaris carries a significant historical pedigree as an herbal plant, though modern gardeners often appreciate it simply for its hardiness and insect-repelling aroma. Gardeners should plan for its aggressive spread when placing Mugwort in the garden layout to maintain desired aesthetics.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Europe to Iran and Siberia, northern Africa
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-4 ft
  • Spread: 3-6 ft
• Bloom Time: August to September
• Bloom Description: Yellowish to reddish brown
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The best time to establish Artemisia vulgaris is in the spring or fall, allowing the roots to settle before intense summer heat or deep winter freezes. This plant excels in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soils, provided they remain on the drier side. Full sun is preferred, though it can tolerate part shade, which may encourage leggier growth.

Watering requirements for Mugwort are minimal once established, fitting perfectly into drought-tolerant xeriscapes due to its preference for dry to medium moisture—it absolutely does poorly in overly moist or wet soils, which invite root rot, a main cultural concern. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; rich soil often leads to weaker stems that lodge or flop over in summer.

If summer humidity or fertility causes the stems to lodge or the foliage to decline markedly, shearing the plants back partially or completely can revitalize the appearance. As Artemisia vulgaris spreads vigorously by rhizomes, division is the easiest method of propagation and is best performed in spring to control its spread and renew older clumps.

Landscape Uses

Artemisia vulgaris is highly recommended for areas designated as difficult due to dry or poor soil conditions, often serving as excellent groundcover in naturalized settings. Its primary landscape suggestion is to let it naturalize, where it can effectively cover large areas without demanding supplemental water or care.

Use Mugwort along roadsides, utility easements, or informal borders where its robust texture can contrast with finer-leaved perennials. While it can be aggressive, integrating it strategically prevents it from overwhelming neighboring specimens. Consider planting it alongside other tough, drought-tolerant natives that do not mind being occasionally encroached upon.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known by a large number of common names including mugwort, wild wormwood, and felon herb, is an upright rhizomatous herbaceous perennial which grows 2-4’ (less frequently to 6’) tall but spreads in the landscape by rhizomes, often aggressively, to 6’ wide or more. Plants feature aromatic, deeply lobed and cut basal and middle leaves which are deep green above and white tomentose beneath. The aroma from fresh or dried plant leaves is known to repel insects, adding a functional benefit to its rugged appearance.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Mugwort generally exhibits few serious insect or disease issues, thriving in neglect when conditions are dry. The most critical management concern centers around its habit of becoming open or leggy during the summer heat, especially if planted in overly fertile soil or shaded locations. It is highly susceptible to root rot if grown in moist or poorly drained soils, so excellent drainage is paramount for longevity. Gardeners must also actively monitor its rhizomatous spread to ensure it does not colonize adjacent garden beds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Mugwort suitable for?

Artemisia vulgaris is hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8, making it widely adaptable across much of the temperate world.

How large does Mugwort grow?

This perennial generally reaches 2 to 4 feet in height with a comparable spread of 3 to 6 feet, spreading via underground rhizomes.

What sun exposure does Mugwort need?

Artemisia vulgaris requires full sun for optimal growth, though it can tolerate partial shade.

When does Mugwort bloom?

Mugwort typically blooms late in the season, from August into September, producing inconspicuous clusters of yellowish to reddish brown flowers.

Conclusion

The resilience and unique silvery-green foliage make Mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris, a valuable structural plant for challenging, dry garden areas. Its low maintenance and insect-repelling aroma offer pragmatic benefits alongside its hardy, naturalizing growth habit. Before planting, ensure your site offers full sun and well-drained soil to manage its vigorous rhizomatous tendencies effectively.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Artemisia vulgaris is overwhelmingly successful through division, which is the recommended practice for home gardeners. This should ideally be done in the early spring before new growth fully emerges, or in the early fall after flowering has ceased and temperatures have cooled. Separate large clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each division retains several healthy roots and a few growth buds. Plant these divisions immediately at the same depth they previously grew, watering them in well to encourage establishment.

Because this species tends to spread aggressively, dividing and replanting clumps every few years serves the dual purpose of propagation and necessary management to prevent it from dominating the landscape. While this plant sets seed, relying on seed dispersal is less predictable and often not necessary given how easily vegetative division handles the process of increasing your Mugwort supply.

Companion Planting

When planning beds around Mugwort, it is crucial to pair it with plants that share its preference for dry, well-drained conditions and full sun exposure. Because Mugwort can spread outwards, choose vigorous companions that can handle competition and don’t require rich European garden soil. Excellent pairings include drought-tolerant herbs like Lavender (Lavandula), Thyme (Thymus), or other tough members of the Asteraceae family like Ornamental Grasses that appreciate sharp drainage. Avoid planting Mugwort near moisture-loving plants, as the soil preferences are fundamentally incompatible.