Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:
Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Lemon verbena, Aloysia citrodora, is a deciduous sub-shrub grown for its aromatic foliage, which has a scent that indistinct to that of sherbet lemons. It also has panicles of delicate pale pink flowers, which appear in late summer. Chop a small handful of fresh leaves then steep and strain to make a refreshing tea that can be enjoyed hot or iced.

It's not fully hardy, so will require winter protection in the form of a thick mulch to protect the roots. Alternatively, grow Aloysia citrodora in a container that can be moved to a frost-free location over winter.

For best results, grow Aloysia citrodora in full sun and well-drained soil. Aloysia citrodora has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyesyesyesyes
Pruneyesyesyes

Aloysia and wildlife

Aloysia is known for attracting bees and butterflies/moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Aloysia poisonous?

Aloysia has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Aloysia citrodora
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