The Story
Plant Bio
Aloysia citriodora, commonly known as lemon verbena, is a fragrant perennial plant known for its aromatic leaves that are often used in herbal teas and culinary applications.
The leaves of Aloysia citriodora have a strong lemon scent and are used in flavoring and perfumery. It is also noted for its drought tolerance.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
72 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Mist cuttings daily to encourage root development over 6 weeks.
- Place in full sun for optimal growth.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining sandy or loamy soil and ensure full sun exposure for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant
- Fertilize monthly in the growing season
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Ignore pruning which helps maintain shape
- Use heavy clay soil without amendments
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lemon Verbena questions
What zones can Lemon Verbena grow in?
Lemon Verbena is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Lemon Verbena deer resistant?
Yes — Lemon Verbena is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Lemon Verbena bloom?
Lemon Verbena typically blooms in late summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lemon Verbena need full sun?
Lemon Verbena does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Lemon Verbena drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lemon Verbena handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Aloysia to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Lemon Verbena with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.