I've found this to be a difficult plant in my zone. It needs more water than most other plants. It is hard to keep nicely shaped. It dies back almost to the ground in our zone 7b. Growth in the Spring is very slow.
Deer and rabbits do leave it alone, which is a plus!

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This plant does tend to get woody very quickly. To get around that, instead of just trimming out winter-killed branches, I now trim the whole bush down to about 3 inches from the ground with an electric hedge trimmer. It only takes about a month for it to get back to its normal height of about 2 1/2 ft. I love the smell of this one when I brush against it or my dog jumps in it. It's a nice fresh green that looks good in our semi-desert area. Easy to grow and grows well from cuttings.

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Soft feathery shrub with a brisk lemony fragrance. Fresh or dried, the foliage can be used to repel moths, fleas, and lice. It is said that sparrows will often incorporate southernwood in their nests to ward off fleas and lice. Fragrant addition to cosmetic cleansers and salves, with astringent properties to alleviate greasy skin/hair. Small amounts can be added to salads, fish and chicken dishes, although pregnant women should avoid consuming it. I like to plant this where one will rub up against it to release the fragrance. Tends to get woody as it matures.

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