Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)
(c) M a n u e l, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun
Time to harvest
365 days
Frost limit
−12.2 °C

Cultivation

Succeeds in most moderately fertile soils if they are well-drained. A very ornamental plant. The plant succeeds outdoors at Howick, a garden on the coast of Northumberland. The leaves are very aromatic with a lemon scent. There has been considerable confusion over the naming of this species. We are following the treatment used in , which is also the current treatment in the 1999 edition of The Plant Finder. However, the book 'World Economic Plants' uses the name A. citrodora Palau (a different author to the one we cite) as the correct name. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in late spring. Only just cover the seed and keep in a light position, making sure the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer and give some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of softwood, May/June in a frame. Grow on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[K]. The cuttings root quickly and easily, though there can be losses in the first winter[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Grow on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[K]. The cuttings root quickly and easily, though there can be losses in the first winter[K].

Edible uses

Leaves - occasionally cooked as a spinach. A delicious lemon-like flavour, it is adored by most people who try it[K]. A delicious and refreshing tea is made from the leaves.

Medicinal uses

An undervalued medicinal herb, lemon verbena contains a strong lemon-scented essential oil that has calming and digestive qualities. The leaves and the flowering tops are antispasmodic, febrifuge, sedative and stomachic. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy in the treatment of nervous and digestive problems and also for acne, boils and cysts.

Material uses

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is extensively used in perfumery. The dried leaves retain their fragrance well and so are used in pot-pourri. The growing plant repels midges, flies and other insects.

Habitat

Fields and roadsides.

Native range

S. America - Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay. Locally naturalized in the Mediterranean.