Commonly known as Lemon Verbena, is a perennial shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family.
 
Physical Description:
Leaves: The leaves are lance-shaped, bright green, and emit a strong lemon fragrance when crushed. They are often used for their aromatic properties.
Stems: Woody stems that may become more pronounced as the plant matures.
Flowers: Small, tubular, pale purple to white flowers arranged in clusters. While the flowers are not as showy as the foliage, they contribute to the plant's overall appearance.
 
Uses:
Culinary: Lemon verbena leaves are used to flavor a variety of culinary dishes, desserts, teas, and beverages. The strong lemon flavor makes it a popular choice for adding a citrusy touch to recipes.
Aromatic: The plant is valued for its aromatic qualities. The leaves are often used to make herbal teas, potpourris, or infused into oils and vinegar.
 
Growing Conditions:
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is preferred. Lemon verbena can tolerate a range of soil types.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Adequate water is crucial for optimal growth.
Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for lemon verbena. It thrives in warm and sunny conditions.
Hardiness: Lemon verbena is sensitive to cold temperatures and may be grown as a perennial in warmer climates. In colder regions, it may be treated as an annual or brought indoors during the winter.
 
Pruning:
Regular pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages bushier growth. It is often pruned in spring to remove dead or woody growth.
 
Harvesting:
Harvest leaves as needed for culinary or aromatic purposes. The leaves are most aromatic just before the plant flowers.