Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)

Lemon verbena is a bright, fragrant herb that brings fresh citrus notes to gardens and home spaces. Its long, slender leaves release a strong lemon scent when touched, making it a delightful addition to herb gardens, pots, and sunny borders.

While not fully hardy in the UK, lemon verbena thrives in pots and sheltered spots, offering a reliable source of fragrant leaves for culinary, cosmetic, and household uses during the warmer months.

What is Lemon Verbena?

Lemon verbena is a tender perennial native to South America, traditionally grown for its intensely fragrant lemon-scented leaves. It has been cultivated in Europe since the 17th century for both culinary and aromatic purposes.

It is often used fresh in teas, desserts, herbal infusions, and home fragrance blends, making it a versatile herb for modern gardeners.

Growing Lemon Verbena in the UK

Position

Full sun for strong growth and fragrance. Sheltered from cold winds, particularly in winter. Best to bring into a cool conservatory or greenhouse over winter.

Ideal for pots, borders, and herb garden spots

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. Enrich with compost for healthy growth

Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can rot roots

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry summer months. Container plants require more frequent watering. Reduce watering in cooler months

Feeding

Feed with liquid fertilizer or compost tea during the growing season. Encourages lush, fragrant foliage

Pruning & Maintenance

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove damaged or yellowing leaves. Pinch young shoots regularly to keep plants bushy

Winter Care

Tender plant: protect from frost and bring pots indoors if possible. Mulch outdoor plants or use cloches in mild winters or Southerly parts of the UK. Prune back significantly before overwintering to maintain compact growth

Harvesting & Using Lemon Verbena

Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season

Pick before flowers appear for the strongest lemon scent

Leaves can be used fresh, or dried in a warm, airy place for later use

Fresh leaves are intensely aromatic and work well in teas, desserts, and herbal infusions. Dried leaves retain much of their fragrance for months.

Lemon Verbena for Skin & Body Care

Lemon verbena has a long history in cosmetics and home care for its uplifting scent and aromatic properties.

Infuse leaves in oils or waters for use in balms, soaps, and lotions

Used in herbal blends for a refreshing, citrus fragrance

Popular in bath products, room sprays, and scented sachets

As with all botanical ingredients, lemon verbena is used in cosmetics for general skin care and wellbeing — not to treat or prevent medical conditions.

Lemon Verbena Around the Home

Natural Home Uses

Add fresh or dried leaves to potpourri or herbal bundles

Use in simmer pots for a bright, citrus scent

Include in small sachets for drawers, cupboards, or linen storage

Seasonal Living

Leaves and stems can be preserved by drying for winter fragrance

Use fresh leaves in spring and summer herbal bouquets

Bring indoors in pots for year-round aroma in mild conditions

Lemon Verbena in the Kitchen

Fresh leaves flavour teas, desserts, jellies, and cordials

Add to salads or fruit dishes for a bright citrus note

Dried leaves can flavour baked goods, syrups, and herbal blends

Lemon verbena adds a fresh, vibrant note to both sweet and savoury dishes, making it a versatile culinary herb.

A Final Word

Lemon verbena is a fragrant, uplifting herb for UK gardeners who are willing to give it a little extra care. Its bright lemon scent, culinary versatility, and ornamental appeal make it a rewarding addition to pots, borders, and herbal collections.

This guide is intended for general information and interest only and reflects traditional, non-medical uses of herbs.