Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
Care, watering, light and tips for Lemon verbena on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Verbenaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Lemon verbena
Aloysia citrodora, commonly known as Lemon Verbena, is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub from the Verbenaceae family, highly valued for the intense and fresh citrus aroma of its leaves. It can reach heights of up to 2-3 meters and features bright green, lance-shaped leaves that grow in whorls of three. It is ideal for herb gardens, potted plants on patios, or as part of an aromatic hedge, adding a delightful fragrance to the surroundings.
Native range
South America: Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Peru.
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and abundant flowering, though it can tolerate some partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate slightly moist but avoiding waterlogging, especially in summer. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. A common mistake is a lack of pruning, which can lead to leggy growth; pruning in early spring encourages denser and more aromatic foliage.
How to save a dying Lemon verbena
- Warning signs
- Wilting or yellowing leaves, premature leaf drop, soft or blackened stems. May indicate under/overwatering or pests.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, aerate roots or repot. Inspect for pests (spider mites, aphids).
- What kills it
- Prolonged waterlogging quickly rots its roots. Also extreme drought and intense cold without winter protection.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's quite resilient. Act quickly with watering and protect from cold. Prune dead stems to encourage new growth.