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Lemon Verbena

Aloysia citrodora

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verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

A deciduous woody shrub prized for its intensely lemon-scented narrow leaves, which are excellent fresh or dried for tea, cooking, and aromatics. Native to South America, it grows vigorously in warm climates but is often treated as a tender annual or container plant in cooler regions. The plant produces small pale purple or white flowers in late summer and requires regular pruning to maintain a bushy shape.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Lemon Verbena is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Yellow Leaveschevron_right

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Wiltingchevron_right

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Leggy Growthchevron_right

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Slow Growthchevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Full sun (6–8 hours daily); tolerates partial shade but flowering and fragrance are best in bright conditions.

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Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season; reduce watering in winter or dormancy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

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Soil

Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0; mix in compost or aged manure to improve organic matter.

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Fertiliser

Feed every 3–4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) or compost tea.

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Temperature

Prefers warm conditions (65–75°F / 18–24°C); protect from frost and cold below 50°F (10°C).

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Humidity

Moderate humidity (40–50%) is ideal; tolerates drier air but benefits from occasional misting in very dry conditions.

Toxicity

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Non-toxic to pets and humans; safe to ingest as tea or culinary herb.

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Lemon Verbena need regular pruning?

As a vigorous deciduous woody shrub, it needs regular pruning to maintain a bushy shape and prevent it from becoming leggy and sparse.

Can I grow Lemon Verbena in a cooler climate?

Yes, but it's often treated as a tender annual or container plant in cooler regions — protect it from frost and bring it indoors below 50°F since it's native to warmer South American climates.