There’s something magical about brushing against a lemon verbena plant and being greeted by its fresh, citrusy scent. If you’ve never grown this herb before, you’re in for a treat. Not only does lemon verbena add a touch of elegance to any garden, but it also has a variety of uses—from flavoring teas and desserts to creating homemade skincare products. Its intoxicating fragrance, delicate leaves, and resilience make it a rewarding addition to any herb garden, whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out. Living in Florida’s Zone 9a, I’ve found that this plant thrives with a bit of care and attention, rewarding you with its vibrant growth and aromatic leaves throughout the warmer months. Let’s dive into what it takes to cultivate and care for this wonderful herb.
Looking to learn more about other herbs? Check out my full collection of herb profiles for detailed guides on growing, caring for, and cooking with your favorite herbs!
Choosing the Right Spot for Lemon Verbena
The first step towards a successful lemon verbena plant is selecting the ideal location. Lemon verbena thrives in:
- Full sun, needing six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the most flavorful leaves and truly flourish
- Envision your lemon verbena basking in the morning sun, which contributes to its lush and robust growth
- Plants grown in the shade tend to be less flavorful
- In frost-free areas, lemon verbena remains evergreen.
In Florida’s intense summers, I’ve learned that a bit of afternoon shade can help prevent the leaves from scorching.
Proper drainage is another essential element. Lemon verbena dislikes waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. If you’re planting it in the ground, make sure the soil drains well—this herb doesn’t like wet feet! If your garden soil is heavy or prone to retaining water, growing it in a container or raised bed with a well-draining potting mix might be the best option.
Make sure the pots or containers you use have sufficient drainage holes to avoid water buildup. For container gardening, a premium potting mix is ideal to maintain the proper moisture levels. I like to mix in some compost to enrich the soil, giving it a boost of nutrients while ensuring good drainage.
Pairing lemon verbena with other plants that enjoy similar conditions can be beneficial. Some plants that thrive in the same growing environment as lemon verbena include:
- Zinnias, which can add vibrant color to your herb garden
- Lavender, which complements the fragrance of lemon verbena
- Rosemary, which is also a versatile culinary herb
- Marigolds, which can help repel pests from your garden
A well-planned garden not only looks beautiful but also creates a harmonious ecosystem where your lemon verbena can flourish.
Planting Lemon Verbena
The timing of planting lemon verbena makes a significant impact. Set out your plants in the spring after the last frost has passed to give them the best start. Starting with young transplants is recommended, as lemon verbena seeds have a low germination rate and can be challenging to grow. Young plants establish more quickly, making them the better option. Another option is to start with a cutting from an established plant. See the propagation section below for tips!
Although lemon verbena is a tender perennial in warmer climates, it is usually grown as an annual in most parts of the country. I’m lucky as I live in a warmer climate and have luck keeping it as a perennial.
Picture your garden in the early summer, brimming with the refreshing, lemony aroma of flourishing lemon verbena plants and the delicate beauty of lemon verbena flowers. As you plant lemon verbena, you’ll be rewarded with not just a sensory delight but also a bountiful harvest of fresh leaves to use in your culinary adventures or to create your own lemon verbena oil.
Caring for Your Lemon Verbena
Watering Needs
Once established, lemon verbena is fairly easy to maintain, but it does require a watchful eye when it comes to watering. I’ve found that deep but infrequent watering works best—about once or twice a week during the hot summer months, depending on rainfall. Too much moisture can lead to root rot, so it’s always better to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. If you’re growing it in a container, check often, as potted plants dry out faster than those in the ground.
Consistent watering is key to the growth of lemon verbena. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Make sure to water the plant when the top two inches of soil are dry.
- The goal is to achieve a level of moisture similar to a wrung-out sponge.
- Overwatering is a common misstep, so use the finger test or a soil moisture meter to avoid drowning the plant’s roots.
Modulate your watering habits based on the changing seasons. In the summer, maintain moisture without overwatering, and in the winter, reduce water retention to prevent root rot. Signs of root rot include:
- Yellowing leaves
- Foul smell
- Stunted growth
- Brown, mushy roots
Root rot is a significant issue for lemon verbena, so it’s essential to adjust your watering practices accordingly.
Regular monthly checks of the soil moisture levels are essential to keep it from becoming excessively wet or dry.
Fertilizing Lemon Verbena
Fertilizing isn’t complicated, but I do like to feed my plants with an organic, balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. If growing in a container, I fertilize a little more frequently, as nutrients tend to wash out with watering.
Incorporate several inches of aged compost into the soil to boost nutrients. Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly and enrich the soil ecosystem, while synthetic fertilizers provide quick nutrient delivery.
A balanced NPK ratio fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is ideal for lemon verbena. Apply a balanced, slow-release flower fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season. Mid-summer is also a good time for a second round of fertilization to sustain blooming and new growth.
Watch for signs of over-fertilization, such as a white crust on the soil surface, yellowing or browning leaf tips, and limp roots. Avoid using urea-based fertilizers, which can harm the roots.
Maintaining a consistent fertilizing schedule will ensure the prosperity and productivity of your lemon verbena.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning is another essential part of keeping your lemon verbena happy. Without regular trimming, it can become leggy and sparse. I make a habit of pinching off the tops of young plants to encourage bushier growth, and I give it a hard prune in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous new shoots. Cutting back the big plants by about one-third encourages new growth and a bushier form.
Don’t be alarmed if it drops its leaves in winter—this is completely normal dormancy, especially in slightly cooler temperatures. Just be patient, and it will bounce back in the spring.
Here are some tips for pruning:
- Remove dead or damaged stems to improve air circulation within the plant.
- Avoid cutting into the woody stems, as it will not promote new growth.
- Make cuts just above the intersection of the leaves for best results.
Propagation Methods
Propagating lemon verbena is a fulfilling method to increase your collection. The quickest method is taking semi-ripe cuttings in the summer from healthy stems that are 10 to 15 cm long. Cut the stems just below a leaf joint using sharp secateurs for a clean cut. Remove lower leaves, leaving only 2 or 3 pairs of leaves to reduce water loss.
Place cuttings in either water or a plastic bag immediately after cutting to prevent wilting. Fill pots with multipurpose or seed and cutting compost, leaving some space at the top for watering. Push cuttings into the compost around the edge of the pot, spacing them evenly. Cover the pots with a clear plastic bag secured with an elastic band to maintain high humidity.
Growing Lemon Verbena Indoors
For those residing in colder climates, growing lemon verbena in a container is a viable option. To grow lemon verbena indoors, bring the plants inside or to a greenhouse when the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it by a bright, sunny window indoors during winter.
If you’re growing lemon verbena indoors, follow these care tips to keep your plant thriving:
- Water once a week and keep the soil on the dry side.
- Frequently mist the plants to disrupt the dry conditions that spider mites thrive in and deter infestations.
- Place the pots in a warm, brightly lit spot out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf loss.
- Check moisture levels regularly.
- Supplemental artificial lighting may be needed to prevent lanky growth and leaf drop.
Dealing with Challenges
Like any plant, lemon verbena has its fair share of potential pests. I’ve had the occasional bout with aphids, white flies, and spider mites, but a quick spray of insecticidal soap (please avoid spraying when pollinators are active) or a strong blast of water usually does the trick. Powdery mildew can sometimes be an issue, especially in humid climates like Florida, so I always make sure there’s good air circulation around the plant and avoid watering the leaves.
One of the biggest challenges in my garden has been keeping the plant happy through Florida’s unpredictable winters. While Zone 9a is warm enough for it to survive as a perennial, there have been a few cold snaps that left me scrambling to protect my plants. A layer of mulch around the base helps insulate the roots, and if I’m particularly worried, I’ll bring container-grown plants inside or move them to a more sheltered spot.
Harvesting and Storing Lemon Verbena Leaves
I harvest my lemon verbena regularly, not just to keep it from getting overgrown but also because it encourages new growth. Fresh leaves have the strongest flavor, but they can also be dried for later use. I like to dry bunches of leaves by hanging them upside down in a well-ventilated space and then storing them in an airtight jar for when I need them.
Here are some tips to ensure a successful harvest:
- The plant should reach at least ten inches tall and have multiple leaves on each stem before it is ready for harvesting. This will ensure that the plant has fully developed and is at its peak for harvesting.
- The leaves of the plant are at their most flavorful after it has flowered. This period is when the leaves have developed the best taste.
- Avoid plucking the leaves directly off a stem; instead, use scissors to cut the stems.
Preserve lemon verbena leaves for later use by air drying entire stems or using a food dehydrator to obtain dried lemon verbena leaves. This way, you can enjoy the fresh, lemony scent of lemon verbena all year round.
Uses of Lemon Verbena
There’s nothing better than walking outside, picking a few fresh leaves, and steeping them in a cup of hot water for a soothing tea. Aside from tea, I use lemon verbena to infuse syrups, add a citrusy note to baked goods, and even mix into homemade skincare products like sugar scrubs.
Lemon verbena finds extensive use in a variety of culinary preparations, imparting a unique lemon flavor to a multitude of dishes. Here are some ways you can use lemon verbena in your cooking:
- Make flavorful olive oil-based salad dressings
- Create a subtle lemon ice cream
- Make lemon verbena jelly
- Season poultry dishes
- Add it to salsa verde
- Use it in soups
- Substitute it for lemon zest or dried lemon for a more subtle addition.
A recipe for Spiked Lemon Verbena Lemonade involves:
- Chopping half a cup of fresh lemon verbena leaves
- Adding 4 cups of vodka
- Letting it sit for two weeks
- Adding 2 cups of sugar
- Letting it sit for another two weeks
- Straining out the leaves
- Use the liqueur in desserts or seltzer.
The possibilities are endless, and once you start growing it, you’ll likely find yourself experimenting with all the ways you can use it.
Looking for more delicious ways to use lemon verbena in your cooking? Check out my Pinterest board, ‘Herb Recipes: Delicious Dishes with Fresh Herbs,’ for a collection of flavorful recipes featuring tarragon and other fresh herbs!
The Benefits of Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena isn’t just a beautiful addition to your garden—it’s packed with benefits that extend beyond its refreshing citrus scent. From health advantages to culinary and skincare uses, this versatile herb has a lot to offer.
Health Benefits
Lemon verbena has been used in herbal medicine for centuries due to its numerous wellness benefits. Some of its key health advantages include:
- Aids Digestion – Lemon verbena tea is known to help soothe digestive issues like bloating, cramps, and indigestion.
- Supports Relaxation & Sleep – The calming properties of lemon verbena can help reduce stress and promote better sleep when enjoyed as an herbal tea.
- Rich in Antioxidants – This herb is packed with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties – Some studies suggest that lemon verbena may help reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for joint and muscle health.
- Boosts Immunity – Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, lemon verbena may support the immune system and help fight off colds and infections.
Skincare & Aromatherapy Benefits
Due to its refreshing scent and skin-friendly properties, lemon verbena is a favorite ingredient in natural skincare and aromatherapy:
- Soothing Skincare – Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great addition to homemade lotions, soaps, and facial mists.
- Relaxing Bath Additive – Adding dried lemon verbena leaves to a bath can create a spa-like, stress-relieving experience.
- Aromatherapy Benefits – Its uplifting citrus aroma can help reduce stress, boost mood, and refresh your space when used in essential oils or homemade room sprays.
Natural Pest Repellent
Lemon verbena’s strong lemony scent is naturally repellent to mosquitoes and some garden pests. Placing potted lemon verbena near outdoor seating areas can help deter unwanted insects while adding a lovely fragrance to your space.
Growing Lemon Verbena in Your Garden
Growing lemon verbena has been one of the most rewarding gardening experiences for me. There’s something so satisfying about having a fresh, vibrant herb just steps away from my kitchen, ready to add a burst of lemony goodness to whatever I’m making. You’ll find that with a bit of attention to watering, pruning, and winter care, this plant will thrive and bring you joy season after season. Even if you’re in a cooler climate, it’s still possible to enjoy lemon verbena in containers, bringing it indoors when the weather turns chilly. No matter where you live, if you love the idea of a fragrant, versatile herb that’s as beautiful as it is useful, lemon verbena is a must-have in your garden.
Are you growing lemon verbena? I’d love to hear your experiences! Drop a comment below and let’s share tips and ideas.
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