Lemon Verbena

Scientific Name: Aloysia citrodora

Common Name: Lemon Verbena

Exposure: Full sun

Height: Up to 2–3 meters (6.5–10 feet)

Width: Approximately 1 meter (3 feet)

Spacing: 30–45 cm (12–18 inches)

Attracts: Bees and butterflies

Flavour: Strong lemon-citrus

Use: Commonly used in culinary dishes, herbal teas, and traditional medicine

Plant Habit: Deciduous shrub

Harvest: Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season; best used fresh or dried for later use

Companion Plants: Basil, rosemary, and sage

General Information: Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), also known as lemon beebrush, is a deciduous shrub native to South America. It is cherished for its fragrant lemon-scented leaves, which are utilized in various culinary applications, such as flavoring fish, poultry, salads, and desserts. The leaves are also employed in herbal teas and traditional medicine. In temperate regions, lemon verbena is typically grown as an annual or in pots that can be moved indoors during colder months, as it is sensitive to frost.