Absinthium canariense Plant Care

Absinthium canariense (Artemisia thuscula) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Artemisia genus. Absinthium canariense is native to the Canary Islands. Absinthium canariense is also known as Artemisia argentea, Artemisia canariensis.

Absinthium canariense displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Absinthium canariense produces insignificant small yellow or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Absinthium canariense every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Absinthium canariense thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Artemisia thuscula tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Absinthium canariense prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Absinthium canariense to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Absinthium canariense every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Absinthium canariense is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Absinthium canariense can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Absinthium canariense while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Absinthium canariense is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Absinthium canariense can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to southernwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Absinthium canariense is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Absinthium canariense grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Absinthium canariense is native to the Canary Islands. In cooler regions, grow Absinthium canariense as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.