Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is a tender perennial prized for its strongly lemon-scented leaves. University of Illinois Extension describes it as frost sensitive and fast growing, with tip cuttings that root easily. In most climates it needs to come indoors for winter.
Lemon Verbena at a glance
| Type | Herb |
|---|---|
| Season | Warm-season |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 24 in |
| Row spacing | 24 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Fast-growing; tip cuttings root easily |
| How to start | Set plants out after frost danger has passed and bring them indoors before the first frost. |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant lemon verbena
Set plants out after frost danger has passed and bring them indoors before the first frost. Use the frost dates by ZIP code to plan.
How to plant lemon verbena
- Place in full sun outdoors.
- Keep soil uniformly moist but not overwatered. In containers use a prepared mix with ample drainage holes. See the garden watering calculator.
- Check spacing with the plant spacing calculator.
Caring for lemon verbena
Use a general-purpose liquid fertilizer about every two weeks during the growing season. Prune occasionally or harvest frequently to keep a nice form. Older plants develop woody stems and declining foliage, so discard them after taking cuttings.
To overwinter, move it indoors before frost to a bright area, water as needed to keep soil uniformly moist and reduce fertilizer.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Mint family herbs in separate pots and other lemon-scented herbs |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Frosty sites without winter protection |
It is frost sensitive, so container growing makes moving indoors easy. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Frost damage | Blackened leaves after a cold night | It is frost sensitive; bring plants indoors before frost. |
| Woody, tired plants | Older plants with declining foliage | Take cuttings, then discard the old plant. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Pick leaves as needed throughout the season. Use them fresh, or dry them and store them in sealed containers.
Plan your lemon verbena
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant lemon verbena plants?
Space lemon verbena plants 24 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant lemon verbena plants?
Set lemon verbena in full sun in well-drained, uniformly moist soil.
How long do lemon verbena plants take to grow?
Tip cuttings root easily, and plants grow fast.
How much water do lemon verbena plants need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Keep soil uniformly moist but not overwatered.
Is lemon verbena frost hardy?
No. It is frost sensitive, so bring it indoors before frost.
How do I propagate lemon verbena?
Tip cuttings root easily.
How do I harvest lemon verbena?
Pick leaves as needed; use fresh or dried and store in sealed containers.