Lemon Verbena Plant
Aloysia citrodora
- Half-hardy deciduous perennial with strongly lemon-scented leaves.
- Makes an excellent tea and has many other culinary uses.
- Will flourish in a warm, dry, sunny spot in the garden - or better still in a greenhouse, conservatory or sunroom.
Supplied as a pot-grown plant grown in a 7 cm pot.
Available from APPROXIMATELY mid May1 or more £2.95GBP each. Group & quantity discounts
Currently Not Available to Buy
Description
Lemon Verbena is a perennial deciduous aromatic shrub that can reach a height of between 3-10 feet (1-3 m), with a spread of up to 10 feet (3m) given the right conditions, though in the UK it tends to reach a height of 3-6 feet (1-2 m).
Originating in Chile, Lemon Verbena was brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 18th Century, because of its amazing perfume. Jekka McVicar calls it the 'Rolls Royce' of lemon-scented plants. It was a popular addition to Victorian garden rooms. Leaves are pale green, and strongly lemon-scented. The tiny white flowers have a lilac tinge.
- Half-hardy perennial deciduous perennial shrub.
- Can reach a height of 3-10 ft (1-3 m), with a spread of up to 10 feet (3 m) if grown in a greenhouse.
- Requires warm, dry spot with light, free-draining soil.
- Will need protection against frost and temepratures 4C (40f).
- Plants can be late producing new growth.
- Can be grown in a container in a warm, sunny spot. Feed with a liquid fertiliser. Trim to maintain shape. Overwinter in a cold greenhouse.
Culinary Uses
- Use fresh leaves to flavour vinegars and oils.
- Sprinkle chopped leaves on fruit puddings.
- Add to apple jelly and to cakes.
- Can be used in stuffings.
- Add a teaspoon of chopped leaves to ice cream for an unusual dessert.
- Allow leaves to infuse in a simple sugar syrup then freeze syrup in small pots for later use.
Medicinal Uses
- Most commonly taken as a tea. Infuse two or three sprigs in a small tea pot. Add sugar or honey to taste.
- Can be used to counter indigestion and feverish colds.
- As aromatherapy oil, helpful in relieving nervous and digestive problems.
- Also good for acne, boils and cysts.
Other Uses
- Use dried leaves in pot pourri, linen sachets or herb pillows.
Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.
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