Lemon Verbena is a shrub that grows to a height of 2-4 feet in most of the US. In very hot climates it grows much taller. It has a woody trunk and branches with tender stems holding long pointed leaves. Small, pale mauve flowers are produced from summer to autumn. Leaves have a strong lemon fragrance and flavor.

Cultivation

• Propagate from cuttings taken in spring or summer.

• Protect from frost by planting in a sheltered area. If you have a sunny location in your home, try bringing it indoors for winter.

• Plant in a sunny area.

• Prefers a neutral pH and good drainage.

• Prune hard in autumn.

Harvesting

Cut leaves as needed and save all prunings for drying.

Pests

Red Spider Mites:
These mites appear when conditions are dry, so pray the underside of leaves daily during dry spells. If your plants are infested apply sulfur .

Stinkbugs:
These hardbacked gray bugs cause extensive tip-wilting. They tend to drop when disturbed, so try shaking or brushing them into a can. Be sure to destroy them before they get away!

Culinary Uses

• Sprinkle over salads or vegetables for a lemony flavor.

• Use to flavor stuffings for meat.

• Stir into herb butter or cottage cheese.

• Makes a refreshing tea in combination with mint or alone. Good served iced.

• Use liberally when on a low salt diet. Try combining with dried celery and lovage leaves.

Other Uses

• Put leaves in the vacuum cleaner to freshen the house.

• An infusion will make a nice skin freshener an toner.

• Flowers can be used in arrangements.

• The leaves lend a pleasant sent to bed linens.

• Great for potpourri.

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