Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citriodora
herbLemon verbena is a tender deciduous shrub grown for narrow, glossy leaves that carry the purest, most intense lemon fragrance of any herb. Native to South America, it reaches 3 to 6 ft in warm zones 8 to 11 and is easily kept in a pot and overwintered indoors in colder climates. It is prized for teas, desserts, and potpourri.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 4 days
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Harvest
~90 days
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
tender perennial
Perennial in warm zones; grown as an annual where winters freeze
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Spacing
24-36 in. apart
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Planting Depth
Set transplant at nursery depth
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Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Light, fertile, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 8 – 12
When to Fertilize
Monthly through the growing season
Fertilizer
Balanced or diluted liquid feed
🌱 Growing Guide
Lemon verbena is almost always started from a nursery plant or cutting rather than seed. Plant it out after all danger of frost in full sun and light, fertile, well-drained soil. It loves heat and resents wet feet, so water when the surface dries and never let it sit soggy. Pinch and harvest often to keep it bushy. In zones below 8, grow it in a container and bring it indoors before frost; it may drop its leaves and rest over winter, which is normal.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jul 28
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Lavender — Shares the same lean, sunny, well-drained conditions and draws pollinators
- Basil — Enjoys the same warmth and helps mask scents that confuse pest insects
- English Thyme — A low aromatic groundcover that attracts beneficial insects nearby
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Most common on stressed or indoor plants; raise humidity and rinse the foliage, especially the undersides
Watch overwintered indoor plants, use yellow sticky traps, and isolate new plants
Hose off colonies on tender tips and encourage ladybugs outdoors
🌾 Harvest & storage
Snip young shoots and leaves as needed once the plant is about 10 inches tall; the youngest growth has the strongest lemon fragrance. Harvest in the morning and cut sprigs regularly to keep the shrub bushy. The leaves dry and store exceptionally well, holding their scent for months.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Intensely lemon-scented leaves are rich in aromatic essential oils and are used fresh or dried for herbal teas, desserts, syrups, and to flavor fish and poultry. The fragrant summer flowers also draw bees and other pollinators.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.