Position – Full sun
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period – Summer
Hardiness – Half hardy
Aloysia are more commonly known as Lemon Verbena and are native to Argentina and Chile, introduced to Europe during the 17th Century where it was cultivated for its oil. They are deciduous or evergreen shrubs with exquisite lemon scented foliage and small flowers that protrude from spike-like miniature stems. Sprays of delicate flowers will delight your gardens all summer long and are happy in both borders and containers. They are best seen in flower beds and borders within courtyard, cottage and informal garden settings. You should expect to see your Aloysia grow to an approximate height of 90cm (36”) and a spread of 60cm (24”).
Aloysia are best planted in well-drained soil of loam, chalk and sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Amend the planting area with coarse grit and organic matter to improve the drainage. Aloysia are best positioned in a sheltered but sunny position where the protection of a wall or fence will hugely benefit your plant by providing reflective light to further enhance the overall growth.
Before the winter chill sets in you may wish to apply a layer of mulch to help protect your plants from detrimental damage. Although Aloysia can withstand colder temperatures in milder areas of the UK, it is recommended that you cut back to ground level where it should re-sprout from the base in the late spring or early summer. These plants are good feeders and will benefit from regular fertilisation consisting of organic vegetable plant food – this should be applied during active growth every four weeks if left outdoors and every two weeks if kept indoors. Take care when watering Aloysia as the roots will die if kept consistently wet.
It is possible to propagate Aloysia by softwood cuttings.
