Common Name: Lemon Verbena

General Information

Lemon verbena is an attractive, deciduous shrub with very aromatic lemon-scented leaves, growing up to 3 metres tall[].
The plant is often cultivated as an aromatic, ornamental and medicinal herb in the garden and is used to make a drink or as a source of essential oils[].

Known Hazards

The essential oil from the plant might sensitise the skin to sunlight[].

Botanical References

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Range

S. America - Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay. Locally naturalized in the Mediterranean[].

Habitat

Fields and roadsides[]. Open scrub[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the semi-arid to moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 2,000 metres, it can also be grown outdoors in the subtropics and in mild-winter areas of the temperate zone. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 18 - 28°c, but can tolerate 14 - 33°c[]. Mature, dormant plants can be killed by temperatures of -12°c or lower, although new growth will be badly damaged at 0°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 600 - 1,800mm, but tolerates 500 - 1,000mm[]. The plant generally survives most winters outdoors in temperate areas down to zones 6 - 7. It can be cut back to ground level in a cold winter, but will then usually resprout from the base in late spring[] or early summer[]. Giving the roots a good, thick organic mulch will confer extra protection from winter cold[].
Requires a sunny sheltered position[, ]. Succeeds in most moderately fertile soils if they are well-drained[]. Prefers a light soil[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, tolerating 5 - 7.5[].
Any pruning is best carried out in the spring[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - occasionally cooked as a spinach[] but more commonly used as a flavouring in salads, fruit salads etc[, , , ]. A delicious lemon-like flavour, it is adored by most people who try it[].

A delicious and refreshing tea is made from the leaves[, , , ]. The dried leaves will retain their lemon aroma for many years[].

Medicinal

An undervalued medicinal herb, lemon verbena contains a strong lemon-scented essential oil that has calming and digestive qualities[]. The plant has a gentle sedative action and a reputation for soothing abdominal discomfort. It has a mildly tonic effect upon the nervous system and helps to lift the spirits and counter depression[].

The leaves and the flowering tops are antispasmodic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative and stomachic[, , , , ]. A tea made from the leaves has a deliciously refreshing lemon flavour and is used mainly in treating digestive disorders[] such as flatulence, indigestion and acidity[]. Some caution is advisable though, since prolonged use or large internal doses can cause gastric irritation[]. The herb is also useful as a stimulant for treating lethargy or depression[] whilst it is also used to treat feverish colds[].

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy in the treatment of nervous and digestive problems and also for acne, boils and cysts[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The growing plant repels midges, flies and other insects[].

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is extensively used in perfumery, especially in making toilet water and eau de cologne[, , ]. An average yield of 0.5% is obtained[]. There is some evidence that the use of this oil can sensitise the skin to sunlight and so its use has been largely replaced by the tropical plant lemongrass, Cymbopogon spp.[].

The dried leaves retain their fragrance well and so are used in potpourri[].

The essential oil is an effective insecticide in 1 - 2% concentration[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in late spring. Only just cover the seed and keep in a light position, making sure the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer and give some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of softwood, late spring/early summer in a frame. Grow on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[]. The cuttings root quickly and easily, though there can be losses in the first winter[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Grow on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[]. The cuttings root quickly and easily, though there can be losses in the first winter[].