Lemon Verbena ( 2 STARTER PLANTS) Lemon Beebrush- GREAT IN CONTAINERS !

Lemon Verbena, also known as Lippia Citriodora, Aloysia citriodora, or Lemon Beebrush, is a semi-hardy herbaceous perennial native to Argentina and Chile. It boasts a strong lemon scent and adds a delightful lemon flavor to baked goods, tea, and cuisine. This variety is particularly well-suited for culinary purposes. In warm, tropical climates, it can reach heights of up to 10 feet due to its upright growth habit, whereas it typically grows 2-4 feet tall in containers and colder regions. While small lilac and white flowers may bloom in spring, Lemon Verbena's main appeal lies in its foliage and aromatic properties.

 Lippia Citriodora flourishes in full or partial sun with moderate water in landscape borders, garden beds, or containers. Grown primarily for its culinary uses and pleasant scent, Lemon Verbena is excellent for use in tea, baking, cooking, and drying for potpourri. 

The leaves of Lemon Verbena retain their scent when dried, making them a popular ingredient in Victorian potpourri. This elegant shrub, also known as Aloysia triphylla, was named after Princess Maria Louisa, the wife of King Carlos IV of Spain.

It can reach up to 15 feet in tropical conditions, but in zone 8 it typically reaches five to six feet and sprawls. To maximize its oil production, Lemon Verbena requires full sun and may become tall and spindly if not given adequate sunlight. The plant's oil glands, located on the underside of its leaves, also help cool it during hot summers.

Cooking with Lemon Verbena is a fun experience. Like most herbs it has its own flavor profile that, while very close to lemon, has an extra essence that can best be described as an earthy freshness. Leaves and flowers can be used both fresh and dried.

Lemon Verbena leaves can be harvested anytime for drying. Lemon Verbena leaves are thin and dry quickly. After cutting the leaves, they should be washed and lain flat or hung in small batches to dry. 

• Soil

  Lemon verbena prefers rich, well-drained soil that's fertile. If your soil is heavy or dense, you can plant in raised beds or containers with drainage holes. You can also amend clay soils with organic matter before planting.
• Sunlight

  Plant in full to part sun, but out of direct sunlight when starting from seed.
• Watering

  Water moderately, especially in the summer, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Fertilizing

  Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer, but over-fertilizing can reduce the plant's aromatic oils. If you've well-prepared the soil before planting, you might not need to fertilize.
• Spacing

  Space plants 12–18 inches apart, depending on the variety.