Cola Plant - Artemisia abrotanum var. maritima

The cola plant (in Latin Artemisia abrotanum var Maritima) is a close relative of absinthe, which herbalists call aurone, lemongrass, abrotone, lemongrass, wardrobe lemongrass, or arquebuse. It is a perennial shrubby plant with very fine, grey-green-blue foliage, remarkably aromatic: it leaves a scent on the fingers, even with the slightest touch, that surprisingly resembles cola soda. This Artemisia is grown for its ornamental aspect and to flavour drinks, desserts, or cooked dishes. Plant it in spring, sun, and well-drained soil, and harvest its leaves from the following summer.

The Artemisia abrotanum var. Maritima is native to the Mediterranean basin but widely cultivated and naturalized in temperate regions. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, just like absinthe and tarragon. It quickly forms a bushy tuft of about 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) in all directions, which can be kept compact through regular pruning. This woody-based, herbaceous-stemmed plant has very finely dissected, almost thread-like, slightly sticky leaves with a very soft grey-green colour and is rich in essential oils. Discreet yellow-green flowers appear from July to October. They can be cut without harming the plant, quite the contrary. It is hardy, at least down to -15°C (5°F), but has a relatively short lifespan. It should be pruned short in autumn to maintain a compact habit. Artemisia thrives in full sun in the garden, even in sweltering conditions. It appreciates light, well-drained soils and prefers them to remain slightly moist but can tolerate poor and relatively dry soil.

The use of Artemisia in cooking is delicate due to its bitterness and toxicity if consumed in high doses. In moderation, young shoots can be used to flavour salads, in syrup (with lemon juice), or as an infusion. They are also delicious in marinades, stews, and grilled dishes. Artemisia has antispasmodic and abortive properties, so it should be used cautiously. It is primarily cultivated for its ornamental aspect and repellent and insecticidal properties, which are useful in the vegetable garden.

In the ornamental garden: Its attractive rounded habit and colour make aurone an excellent foliage plant to grow with flowering plants in ornamental gardens. Place it near a pathway so you can brush against its foliage as often as possible.

Harvest: The leaves are harvested in June to July before flowering, preferably in the late afternoon.

Storage: The leaves can be consumed fresh or dried and stored in a dark and dry place.

Gardener's tip: In the garden, spray a wormwood infusion to repel insects, rodents, and slugs. Prepare the infusion with 1 kg of fresh plants for 10 litres (preferably rainwater). Place the plants in a net bag for potatoes or oranges so that you can weigh them down with a stone, for example, at the bottom of a non-metallic container. Cover and stir daily. Fermentation begins after a few days. When there is no more foam, filter and use the preparation diluted to 10%. Store the infusion in sealed containers in a cool, dark place if necessary.