Organic Lemon Verbena - Aloysia citriodora

Aloysia citriodora or A. triphylla is a bush with aromatic leaves, famous for its delicious lemony fragrance that is both sweet and invigorating. It is appreciated in infusions, as well as for flavouring desserts. Its essential oil is used in perfumery and sometimes in aromatherapy. Lemon verbena is not very hardy. Grow it in a pot to be overwintered in a frost-free location, or in the ground in milder climates. Plant in May or June and harvest from June to October.

This plant comes from Organic Farming and is certified AB. 

Lemon Verbena belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is a small bush native to South America, specifically Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Argentina. This tender species is not very hardy, but a mature subject can withstand brief frosts of around -8°C (17.6°F). In favourable conditions, it can reach, or even exceed, 1m (3ft) in height with a spread of 80cm (32in) when planted in the ground. It is an aromatic and medicinal plant, with long, narrow, rough, light green leaves. Its small white to pale mauve flowers gathered in thin, loose, and discreet spikes appear during summer. Its foliage releases a pleasant lemony scent in infusions, and is ideal for repelling mosquitoes in summer. The deciduous foliage withers and falls at the first frost.

It has soothing and digestive properties. Use the fresh or dried leaves in infusions. Unlike common verbena, lemon verbena also flavours sauces and marinades, desserts, or liqueurs with its lemony fragrance. It can also be used to make potpourris.

Harvesting: the leaves are harvested from June to October by cutting the stems. Harvest regularly to encourage new shoots.

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.

Gardener's tip: we recommend mulching the soil with successive thin layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection keeps the soil moist and reduces weeding.