Lemon Verbena

Aloysia triphylla

COMMON NAMES

• Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is one of those plants that has suffered from renaming, and it may also be sold as Lippia citriodora. But whatever its name, lemon verbena is an excellent herb to grow. The pale purple flowers, clustered along the stems in late summer, are not very showy, but the herb's main attraction is the foliage, which gives off a strong citrus scent when crushed. Lemon verbena is at its most aromatic in the early evening.

Grow lemon verbena in a warm, protected position as it is not frost-hardy and needs protection during winter except in the mildest areas. It is a wise precaution to take cuttings unless you choose to grow the herb in a container and overwinter it in a conservatory or greenhouse. Where the weather is mild enough for it to survive outdoors, lemon verbena will grow into a bushy shrub 5 feet high and as much across. However lemon verbena will be smaller when grown in a container.

Prune in mid-spring to remove dead wood and cut the main stems to about 12 inches from the ground to keep the shrub compact. Although lemon verbena can be raised from seed, it is easier to take softwood cuttings in late summer to overwinter under glass.

PARTS USED

Leaves, flowers.

USES

Folk medicine - Infused as a mildly sedative tea to soothe bronchial and nasal congestion, to relieve indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea and palpitations.
Culinary - Infuse as herb tea. Finely chop young leaves for drinks, fruit puddings, confectionery, apple jelly, cakes and homemade ice cream. Infuse in finger bowls.
Cosmetic - Macerate in almond oil for a massage; for interesting blends, add lavender or rosemary. Use this oil in homemade lotions and creams. To reduce puffiness around eyes, make an infusion and allow to cool. Soak cotton wool in the infusion and place over eyes for 15 minutes. Infuse and add to a bath. Make floral vinegar to soften and freshen skin.
Aromatic - Use in potpourri, linen sachets, sofa sacks and herb pillows and to scent ink and paper. Infuse in melted candle wax at about 180°F for 45 minutes to scent candles. Use its essential oil in perfumes and to sprinkle over potpourri.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Site - Full sun. Needs shelter in almost frost-free position.
Soil - Light, well drained and alkaline. Poor soil produces stronger and more cold-resistant plants.
Sow in spring. Take softwood cuttings in late spring.
Growing - Thin or transplant to 3 feet apart. Prune drooping branches to encourage new growth. Grow lemon verbena indoors in winter, though it may drop its leaves. Prune and spray with warm water in mid-spring to revive plant.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Long-term use of large amounts of leaf may cause stomach irritations.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

Pick leaves anytime: best when flowers begin to bloom.
Dry leaves. Use fresh leaves to flavor oil and vinegar.

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