Aloysia citriodora
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Aloysia triphylla
- Lippia citriodora
- Verbena citriodora
- Verbena triphylla
- Phonetic Spelling
- al-OY-see-ah try-FYE-lah
- Description
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Lemon verbena is a perennial shrub in the verbena family (Verbenaceae) native to South America and was imported to Europe in the 17th century and cultivated for its oil. The Genus name honors Maria Louisa princess of Parma and wife of King Carlos IV of Spain. The specific epithet means lemon-scented. In its native habitat, it will grow 10 to 15 feet tall.
Lemon verbena will grow 6 to 8 feet tall and wide in the ground but 2 to 4 feet tall and wide in a pot. It prefers full sun in well-drained moist fertile light soils. In zones 8 and higher, it can be grown outdoors. In cold climates, it can be grown in a pot and brought indoors for the winter, where it will lose its leaves. Pruning the branches in early spring encourages a bushier form. Best propagation is by stem cuttings as seed set is variable in North America.
Fragrant white to pale lilac flowers appear midsummer to early fall. The leaves are fragrant and can be used in teas and cooking. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Use the plant in containers, near walkways to enjoy the fragrance, and in culinary gardens. Leaves can be use for potpourris.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Aphids, whiteflies, mealy bugs and spider mites are occasional problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Aloysia
- Species:
- citriodora
- Family:
- Verbenaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Used medicinally as a folk remedy. Used in perfumes and as potpourris
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Argentina and Chile
- Edibility:
- Leaves and flowers are used in teas, desserts, fruit salads and jams
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Herb
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- Small white to liliac flowers in clusters July to September. Not particularly showy but frangrant.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Whorled
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 3 to 4 inch long glossy pointed leaves occur opposite in in whorls of three. Have a strong lemon scent.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Edible Garden
- Garden for the Blind
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Small groups
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
