Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:11261264 - Herb and Spice Companion_001-145.indd 112 3/7/15 5:11 pm
(Text)HERB & SPICE COMPANION- 112 –
LEMON VERBENA
Aloysia citrodora
Flavors: lemony and herbalGrown naturally in the tropical climates of Latin America, lemon verbena is a
summer-loving herb that brings elegant fragrance to the garden and refreshing lemon
flavor to the dinner table. It’s often found
in scented lotions, soaps, and perfumes,
as well as soothing hot teas.
Fresh-cut stems can be placed in
a vase with water to serve as a natural
air freshener. Lemon verbena is a tasty
alternative to lemon peel or zest—it
adds a “green” herbal flavor and lacks
the tartness of the fruit.In the Garden
In a temperate or wintry climate, where temps drop below 40°F, plant lemon verbena,
a perennial, in a container so you can bring it indoors in cold weather; it will go dor-
mant for the season and lose its leaves. Plants with shorter growing seasons won’t
flower or grow much taller than two to four feet in containers.
Size: 2 to 4 feet tall in a container up to 10 feet tall in the ground
Container: at least 1 foot in diameter
Light: Full sun to partial sun in tropical climates
Soil: Moist, loose, well drained
Plant: Seedlings or cuttings
Water: Regularly, to keep soil consistently moist. If wintering indoors while dormant,
do not overwater.
Harvest: Snip stems regularly throughout the season.HEALTH BENEFITS
Lemon verbena’s soothing lemon-
herbal scent makes it popular in
aromatherapy, where it’s used in
oils and lotions to help calm nerves
and relieve stress. Taken as a tea,
the herb helps ease symptoms of
stomach upset, including diarrhea,
constipation, gas, and cramps.Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
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