African Wormwood | Artemisia afra | 30-50cm Plant

The African Wormwood (Artemisia afra), widely known as Wilde Als or Langana, is a prominent indigenous South African shrub cherished for its highly aromatic, feathery, silvery-green foliage.

This fast-growing perennial forms a dense bush up to 2m in height and 1.5m in width, adding rich color and fine texture to water-wise garden beds. Beyond its ornamental beauty, Artemisia afra is one of South Africa’s most famous traditional medicinal plants, well-regarded for its fragrant essential oils and beneficial properties.

Growing Conditions & Care

Light
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Good, direct sunlight encourages stronger growth, richer silver foliage color, and more abundant flowering.

Watering
Water regularly while the young plant is establishing. Once established, African Wormwood is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.

Soil
Adapts easily to a wide variety of soil types, including poor or sandy soils. Prefers well-draining soil and cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Temperature and Climate
Exceptionally hardy plant that withstands extreme heat, dry conditions, severe frost, and cold winter weather across South African regions.

Growth Habit and Mature Size
An upright, multi-stemmed, bushy shrub with a vigorous, spreading growth habit. Reaches a mature height of approximately 1.5m to 2m and a spread of 1m to 1.5m.

Maintenance
Prune heavily in autumn or early winter after summer flowering. Hard pruning encourages fresh, lush, aromatic growth during the warmer spring and summer months.

Best Uses

Indigenous medicinal herb garden

Water-wise landscaping and xeriscaping

Color and texture contrast in garden borders

Natural pest repellent companion planting

Large patio containers and pots.