Lemon verbena is a herb with a refreshing lemon-like aroma and flavor. It’s native to South America but has been cultivated and naturalized in other parts of the world. It belongs to the verbena family, which includes other aromatic herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary.
Lemon verbena needs regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot and dry weather. But it does not take too kindly to wet feet because this often results in root rot. In winter, water sparingly.
Place the plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to help produce the most fragrant leaves. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may become leggy and less aromatic.
The herb prefers light, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH of 6–8. It can adapt to acidic, alkaline, or neutral soils, but it doesn't appreciate clay or heavy soils.
A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring and summer is enough to support the plant's growth and flowering.
Prune lightly throughout the growing season to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage new growth. It's best to prune more heavily in late winter or early spring to remove old wood and stimulate new shoots.
You can sow the seeds indoors in winter or spring after the last frost. Take cuttings from young stems in summer and root them in moist soil or water. Alternatively, you can divide the plant in spring or autumn by digging up the plant and separating the roots into smaller sections.
Outdoor
The plant is not toxic to humans or animals
Lemon verbena is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale insects, or fungal infections.
Specimen plant
Hedging
Border
Container plant
Last Updated: August 16, 2023
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