How to Grow Lemon Verbena

Last Updated: February 8, 2020 References Approved

Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is a large and bushy perennial shrub. It is deciduous and highly scented, with a strong citrus aroma that can be noticed most strongly in the early evening. As a native to South America, it does best in hot climate gardens.^{[1]
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Research source
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Steps

1
Obtain cuttings from an existing lemon verbena plant.
- Use the softwood cuttings during summer.^{[2]
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- Use the hardwood cuttings during autumn/fall.^{[3]
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2
Trim a 12cm (5") piece from the parent lemon verbena plant. Remove one third of the upper leaves on the cutting and thin the lower leaves.

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3
Fill a container with two-thirds coarse sand and one-third peat moss. Moisten this mix in the pot and place the cutting into it.
4
Place a plastic bag over the pot. This will imitate a mini-greenhouse.
5
Once the cutting takes root, shift to a container of quality potting soil. You should renewed leaf growth before this transplanting.
6
Plant into the garden when it has strong growth. Alternatively, purchase a lemon verbena already at this stage of growth.
7
Water on an average basis.^{[4]
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Research source} It is tolerant of hot temperatures and dry conditions.
8
Fertilize using a complete plant food.^{[5]
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Research source} This should be applied about every six weeks.
9
Prune. This herb needs regular pruning to prevent a build-up of dead wood and a scraggly look. Pruning will also accelerate new growth. Remove dead wood when pruning.^{[6]
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Research source} Spring pruning will contain its growth, while pruning in any season will tidy it up.
- Protect during winter by cutting the plant down and covering up the roots with straw.
10
Harvest. Harvest as required.^{[7]
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Research source} The leaves make excellent tea.^{[8]
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Research source} Use them wherever you might use lemon as well. Chopped or crushed leaves can be added to fish dishes, to cakes, to jams and jellies, and other foods needing a lemony touch. The leaves are also great in potpourri.

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Community Q&A

Question

My verbena bush has loads of dead wood inside and its leaves are being eaten. Why?

Community Answer

Is it warm enough? Getting enough sun? Keeping moist but not soggy? Does it want some manure or a layer of mulch? A dose of fish-fertiliser? Prune it back by about a third in winter, too.