How to grow Lemon Verbena

It is a zone 9 plant that is grown in a container everywhere else. It likes rich, well-drained soil and to be moist, but not soggy. Full sun and a pH of 6.5 keeps it productive. Apply fish emulsion regularly as it is a heavy feeder. Pinch the tips of the stems to keep it bushy. When bringing in for winter, cut away the thin spindly branches. Do not throw these away. They are aromatic and can be used to freshen a clothes drawer. The plant is deciduous, and it is normal for it to drop all its leaves when it goes dormant. Keep plants on the dry side and cool when dormant.

Lemon verbena is best propagated by cuttings taken in summer. Keep cuttings and the plants from which they are taken in the shade and well-watered as they wilt readily. ¹

Pruning severely in Autumn will keep the plant productive and tidy

As a culinary, lemon verbena makes one of the best beverage teas, especially when blended with mint. It can also be used to brighten the taste of fish, poultry, veggie marinades, stuffing, salad dressing, jellies, and vinegar. Chop up leaves and put them in drinks. As the leaves are tough, remove them before serving. Finely crumbled dried leaves can be added to the batters of carrot, banana, or zucchini bread. Try adding some to cooked rice just before serving.

Dried leaves hold their scent well and are used in potpourris, sachets, and pillows. The oil has been used in cologne, toilet water, perfume, and soap. A strong infusion can be added to the bath. But as it is expensive, it has been replaced by the use of lemongrass.

Lemon verbena infused oil makes a wonderful massage oil. It blends well with lavender and rosemary. Use it in creams and lotions. A lemon verbena compress reduces puffiness around the eyes. A floral vinegar softens and freshens the skin. You can harvest sprigs all summer. For your main harvest though, cut back the plant halfway in midsummer and again before taking it in. ¹

These estimates for how long Lemon verbena takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Lime verbena, Lemon beebrush

Aloysia citrodora, Lippia citriodora

¹ http://www.superbherbs.net/Lemonverbena.htm