How to Grow Lemon Verbena

Though hard to find at most garden centers, lemon verbena is a versatile herb with a lemony scent and flavor that can be quickly grown at home. Check local nurseries, or order starts online to add this citrusy plant to your garden.

Lemon Verbena Care Table

PLANT NAME: Aloysia citrodora

Other Name: lemon verbena

Plant Type: herbaceous perennial

Native Areas: South America

Light Requirement: Full sun

Watering: Adequate watering

Fertilizer: Organic

Toxicity: Non-toxic for both humans and pets

Temperature:60-85°F 

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings, division, layering

Soil Type: Loose, well-draining

USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10

What is Lemon Verbena?

Lemon Verbena, scientifically known as Aloysia citrodora or Aloysia triphylla, is an aromatic, flowering herb plant from South America. Thriving in USDA zones 8-10, this herb is renowned for its delightful lemon scent and versatile culinary applications. 

Lemon verbena has elongated leaves that smell like lemon drops when bruised. An herbaceous perennial, it can grow large in warm climates, reaching 6 to 10 feet high. Lemon verbena dies back and loses its leaves in winter, then returns each spring. 

The flavorful leaves are used for teas, beverages, jams, baked goods, and more. Lemon verbena oil contains citral and limonene compounds, giving it an intense citrusy aroma and qualities. Once difficult to find, lemon verbena is gaining popularity as an edible garden plant and an ingredient for culinary use and natural products.

Quick Guide to Growing Lemon Verbena

• Space: When planting Lemon Verbena, ensure a 12-24-inch spacing between individual plants to allow proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
• Soil: Opt for loamy soil enriched with compost or other organic matter to give the herb essential nutrients for robust growth.
• Sunlight: Lemon Verbena flourishes in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal development.
• Water: Maintain soil moisture consistently, but avoid waterlogging, as Lemon Verbena prefers well-drained conditions.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support the herb’s overall health and encourage abundant foliage.
• Temperature: Lemon Verbena thrives in temperatures ranging between 60-85°F, making it well-suited for various climates.
• Propagation: Easily propagate Lemon Verbena through cuttings or seeds, providing an accessible means to expand your herb garden.

When and Where to Plant Lemon Verbena

Select the spring season for planting Lemon Verbena in a sunny location with well-drained soil. The chosen site should offer optimal sunlight exposure, creating an ideal environment for the herb’s growth. Consider planting it near other herbs or a dedicated herb garden, ensuring it complements the surrounding vegetation.

Lemon Verbena Care

Soil and Water

Lemon verbena thrives in loose, well-drained soil to prevent damage to its delicate roots. The ideal soil texture contains a blend of sand, compost, peat, or perlite to retain moisture and quick drainage. Boost lime content for best growth, as lemon verbena prefers a soil pH between 6.5-7 to absorb nutrients properly. 

Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Regularly check the soil’s moisture level, especially during hot periods, and adjust your watering accordingly.

Light

Place this outdoor plant in a location that receives 6-8 hours of full sun daily. Adequate sunlight exposure is crucial for the plant’s photosynthesis process, contributing to robust growth and the development of flavorful leaves.

Fertilizer

Lemon verbena requires little fertilizer for vigorous growth. As growth resumes in early spring, apply an organic citrus fertilizer, fish emulsion, urine, or balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Fertilize container plants monthly through July; in-ground plants only need one early feeding. Always dilute fertilizers to recommended rates and water thoroughly afterward to prevent burning roots. 

Over-fertilizing with synthetic products can damage lemon verbena. A light, organic fertilizer regimen supports pest/disease resistance and flavorful growth without risk of impairment.

Temperature and Humidity

Maintain temperatures between 60-85°F to create an ideal environment for Lemon Verbena. The herb thrives in moderate humidity levels ranging from 55-75%. Adequate temperature and humidity control contribute to the plant’s health, preventing stress and potential issues.

In its natural habitat, wild lemon verbena can reach heights of up to 10 feet when fully grown and basking in full sunlight.

Propagation

There are a few easy ways to propagate lemon verbena:

Cuttings – Take 4-6-inch cuttings from the tip of a healthy plant. Remove leaves from the lower half and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Stick into moist potting soil and cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity. Keep soil moist and out of direct sun until new growth emerges.

Division – Carefully dig up an established lemon verbena clump and gently divide it into pieces with roots attached using your hands or a sharp, clean knife/spade. Replant divisions in the ground at the same level or into containers using a potting mix. Water well.

Layering – Choose a low-hanging stem and make a shallow cut midway on the stem. Bury that section under 2 inches of soil, exposing the plant tip. Hold in place with a bent wire or heavy rocks. New roots should be generated within weeks from the buried section.

Seeds – Sow fresh seeds just below soil outdoors in the fall or store-bought seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Germination usually occurs in spring, but the success rate is low.

Lemon Verbena Pests and Troubleshooting

While Lemon Verbena is generally hardy, it may face challenges from common pests like aphids or spider mites. Keep a vigilant eye on the plant for any signs of infestation. For a natural approach to pest control, consider using neem oil, a gentle yet effective solution. 

Regularly inspect the leaves and stems, addressing any issues promptly to maintain the plant’s health.

Harvesting and Storing Lemon Verbena

Harvest Lemon Verbena leaves once the plant is well-established, typically during the growing season. The aromatic leaves can be dried or frozen for extended use. Store the harvested leaves in airtight containers to preserve their freshness and flavor, ensuring a readily available supply for culinary endeavors.

Growing Lemon Verbena in a Container

Choose a large, deep pot with drainage holes and use a quality potting mix amended with compost or peat. Lemon verbena needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, so position the container appropriately. Check soil moisture frequently, water when the top inch becomes slightly dry, and do not oversaturate. 

Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Using organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or urine is much better. Discontinuing feeds by early fall.   

Prune back leggy growth for shape and bushiness. Once roots fill the container, transplant them into a bigger pot with fresh soil every 2-3 years. To overwinter containers in cold climates, prune back plants, cease watering, and move indoors to a sunny window until spring returns.