Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is a fragrant flowering shrub in the verbena family, scientifically known as Aloysia citrodora.

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a fragrant flowering shrub in the verbena family, native to South America. It is grown for its strongly lemon-scented leaves, which are used in teas, cooking, perfumes, and potpourri. In Canada, it is commonly cultivated as a tender container plant or indoor herb due to its lack of frost hardiness.

Description

Lemon verbena is a woody, aromatic shrub with narrow green leaves and small pale flowers. Its leaves release a strong lemon scent when touched or bruised. The plant can grow up to 3 metres or more in warm climates, with flower colours ranging from pale pink to white or purple-white.

Distribution and cultivation

The plant is native to South America, especially Argentina and Chile, and was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. It is grown in gardens, containers, and greenhouses, particularly in frost-free or warm climates. In colder regions, it is often treated as a container plant or seasonal herb.

Uses

The leaves are commonly used fresh or dried in teas and culinary dishes, including desserts, fruit salads, and savoury recipes. The plant is also valued in fragrance products such as perfumes, colognes, soaps, and sachets, as well as in traditional herbal use.

Growth habit

Lemon verbena is a perennial shrub or tender sub-shrub that can become tall and sprawling in suitable conditions. In colder regions it is often treated as a container plant or seasonal herb, remaining much smaller when grown in pots.