Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)
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
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Propagate from cuttings taken in spring or summer.
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Protect from frost by planting in a sheltered area. If you have a sunny location in your home, try bringing it indoors for winter.
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Plant in a sunny area.
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Prefers a neutral pH and good drainage.
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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
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Sprinkle over salads or vegetables for a lemony flavor.
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Use to flavor stuffings for meat.
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Stir into herb butter or cottage cheese.
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Makes a refreshing tea in combination with mint or alone. Good served iced.
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Use liberally when on a low salt diet. Try combining with dried celery and lovage leaves.
Other Uses
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Put leaves in the vacuum cleaner to freshen the house.
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An infusion will make a nice skin freshener an toner.
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Flowers can be used in arrangements.
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The leaves lend a pleasant sent to bed linens.
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Great for potpourri.
