Also known as Lemon Verbena · 22 saves
Aloysia
Aloysia, the genus most gardeners know as lemon verbena. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 2 most-saved Aloysia varieties
Browse all 3 Aloysia varieties →
3 species of Aloysia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Aloysia in Sow
Save the Aloysia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Aloysia
Whats common across all Aloysia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Aloysia year
- PruneMarch and April100% of varieties
Cut back woody stems lightly in late winter to shape
- FertilizeApril100% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth
- PlantMay67% of varieties
Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- HarvestJune–September67% of varieties
Harvest leaves throughout summer for fresh use or drying
- Winter PrepOctober and November67% of varieties
Move container plants indoors or protect tender plants before frost
Do
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Fertilize monthly in the growing season
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture
Avoid
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Ignore pruning which helps maintain shape
- Use heavy clay soil without amendments
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Aloysia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves and distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and use insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage during hot, dry weather. | Increase local humidity, blast foliage with a strong stream of water, or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Whiteflies | Tiny white insects fluttering around the plant when disturbed, accompanied by sticky honeydew on leaves. | Introduce beneficial insects or spray the undersides of leaves thoroughly with horticultural oil. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Sudden wilting, leaf drop, and blackening stems, despite the soil being wet. | Improve soil drainage immediately, reduce watering frequency, and discard severely infected plants. |
| Powdery mildew | A white, powdery fungal coating on leaf surfaces, typically in humid conditions with poor airflow. | Prune to improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply a sulfur-based fungicide if necessary. |
Making more Aloysia
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in bright indirect light.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Stem Cuttings
- Take three- to four-inch softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy stems in spring or summer.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two pairs of leaves on the cutting.
- Insert the cut end into a moist, well-draining propagation mix of perlite and peat.
- Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment under bright, indirect light until roots establish.
Aloysia questions
How many types of Aloysia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Aloysia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 22 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Aloysia grow in?
Across its varieties, Aloysia covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Aloysia bloom?
Most Aloysia varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Aloysia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.