Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a tender perennial shrub prized for its intensely bright, citrus-scented foliage. Originating from South America, its aromatic leaves are highly valued for culinary uses, such as infusing teas, desserts, and savory dishes. Successful growth relies on specific care, especially in regions with cool winters.
Essential Requirements for Placement
Lemon verbena thrives in conditions that mimic its warm, sunny native habitat. Full sun is mandatory for healthy growth and maximum oil production. The plant needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to prevent spindly growth. When growing in a container (common outside hardiness zones 8 to 11), select a pot with ample drainage holes.
The soil composition must prioritize drainage, as the plant is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. A rich, well-draining potting mix, often loamy soil combined with organic matter, provides the ideal environment. Excellent drainage ensures water moves quickly through the container, preventing the roots from sitting in excessive moisture. Since the plant is sensitive to frost (temperatures below 40°F trigger leaf drop), container growing is the best strategy for easy relocation indoors before frost arrives.
Watering and Feeding Practices
Maintaining consistent soil moisture without allowing the roots to become saturated is key to lemon verbena care. Check the soil regularly, and watering should only occur when the top one to two inches of the potting mix feel dry to the touch. Allowing this brief drying period helps introduce air to the root zone and discourages root rot. During the hottest months, container plants may require daily watering, but frequency should always be dictated by soil dryness.
Lemon verbena is a relatively heavy feeder that benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 5-5-5 NPK) every few weeks throughout the spring and summer to support vigorous leaf production. Cease all feeding in late summer or early fall, which helps signal the plant to slow its growth cycle in preparation for winter. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can diminish the concentration of the plant’s aromatic oils.
Pruning for Shape and Harvest
Lemon verbena naturally tends to become “leggy,” developing long, woody, and sparsely leafed stems. Regular pruning is necessary to encourage a bushier, more compact growth habit and increase leaf yield. Pruning involves routine harvesting and a substantial cutback for shaping.
Routine harvesting involves pinching or snipping the soft, green tips of the stems throughout the growing season. This stimulates new side shoots to emerge just below the cut. When harvesting, cut the stem just above a leaf node, and avoid removing more than one-quarter of the plant’s total growth at once. A hard prune can be performed in early spring, cutting back up to one-third of the plant’s size to remove old, woody material and prepare it for robust growth.
Preparing the Plant for Winter
As a tender perennial, lemon verbena must be protected from freezing temperatures to ensure its survival through winter. Before the first frost (when night temperatures dip below 40°F), the plant should be moved indoors. Reduce watering significantly several weeks prior to the move; this initiates the hardening-off process and helps the plant transition toward dormancy.
For dormant storage, prune the plant back by about a third and place it in a cool, dark location, such as an unheated garage or basement. Temperatures must remain consistently above freezing but below 55°F. In this dormant state, the plant will naturally drop most or all of its leaves. Water should be withheld almost entirely, with only a minimal amount given once a month to prevent the roots from completely drying out. Alternatively, the plant can be kept actively growing near a bright, south-facing window, though the reduced light and humidity indoors often trigger some leaf loss as the plant adjusts. Check the plant thoroughly before bringing it inside, as the stress of moving indoors can attract pests like spider mites and whiteflies. Misting frequently helps disrupt the dry conditions these pests favor.