Lemon verbena Aloysia citrodora
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Verbenaceae family, native to Argentina, Chile and Peru. It grows 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Lemon verbena in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Lemon verbena at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Mature height | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Native to | Argentina, Chile and Peru |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Lemon verbena toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Herbal tea plant; not documented as toxic, though pet toxicity is not listed by ASPCA.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lemon verbena
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Lemon verbena in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (3 plants)
Questions about Lemon verbena
- How far apart should I plant Lemon verbena?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Lemon verbena need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lemon verbena need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Lemon verbena?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Lemon verbena flower?
- From about July for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Lemon verbena poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Herbal tea plant; not documented as toxic, though pet toxicity is not listed by ASPCA.
- What grows well with Lemon verbena?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lemon verbena. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Deciduous in cool climates and often late to leaf out; tolerates short frosts to about -8 C with roots surviving colder if mulched.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Verbena Verbena bonariensis
- Mexican oregano Lippia graveolens
- Lantana Lantana camara
- Vervain (common verbena) Verbena officinalis
- Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) Duranta erecta
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris