Argentinian Verbena - Aloysia polystachya

The Argentine Mint or Argentine Verbena is a Verbena whose leaves give off a mint scent with citrus notes, very pleasant in infusions, in liqueurs or to flavor desserts. Not very hardy, this aromatic plant is grown in open ground or in a pot depending on the climate. Planting in May - June and harvesting leaves from May to October.

The Argentine Verbena belongs to the Verbenaceae family and is native, as its name indicates, to Argentina. It is a woody plant that can reach a height of 1m (3ft) to 1.50m (5ft). Its long and lanceolate leaves are highly scented, giving off a mint scent with citrus notes. In summer, small white flowers in spikes appear.

The leaves of the Argentine Verbena are used in infusions, in liqueurs and flavor desserts (fruit salads, ice creams) or certain fish.

In the vegetable garden, the Argentine Verbena will thrive, like Lemon Verbena, in a light, rich and well-drained soil. It prefers sunny exposures. Hardy up to -7°C (19.4°F), it is grown in open ground or in a pot depending on the climate. It will be necessary to protect it or bring it indoors during the winter period.

Harvesting: The leaves are harvested from May to October by cutting the stems. Harvest regularly to promote new shoots. The leaves are most fragrant in the summer.

Storage: The leaves can be used fresh or dried. For drying, hang bunches of stems, upside down, in a dry and airy place. Then store them in airtight jars.

The gardener's tip: To keep fresh in summer and protect from the cold in winter, we recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of clippings, ideally mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also limits weeding.