An essential for any backyard and enthusiast of herbal teas, Lemon Verbena is a semi-deciduous/evergreen shrub native to South America, celebrated for its fragrant, Lemon-scented leaves that lend themselves beautifully to a refreshing tea. Whether dried or fresh, these leaves can enhance the taste of jellies, beverages, or ice cream with their invigorating flavour. Lemon Verbena is also the key ingredient and flavouring of Inca Kola, the iconic Peruvian soft drink. Additionally, the leaves can be used to flavour poultry and fish with a lemon essence, which is highly valuable in the absence of fresh lemons. Furthermore, the fragrant leaves can be used in potpourri to provide a pleasant fragrance to a room. In consistently warm climates, Lemon Verbena remains evergreen, while in cooler regions with winters, it may become semi-deciduous before regenerating in spring. For optimal growth, Lemon Verbena prefers a warm, sheltered, full-sun location with well-draining yet moist soil and regular rainfall. Although it can tolerate cooler temperatures, frost protection is advisable to safeguard the plants’ health and vigour, as leaves will be damaged at temperatures below freezing. To mitigate the risk of frost damage, Lemon Verbena can be pruned extensively in late autumn and shielded with protective shade fabric or frost cloth; alternatively, if grown in a pot, they can be brought indoors during the winter months. Beyond its culinary utility, Lemon Verbena adds ornamental value to any setting, courtesy of its elongated, lance-shaped, aromatic leaves and attractive panicles of white-lilac flowers that create an appealing visual display. Lemon Verbena can maintain a shrub or small tree form, but can also be pruned into a hedge, a task easily accomplished by trimming the top growth. Mature specimens can range from 1-3m in height, allowing for easy management and harvest. Lemon Verbena should be pruned in winter and fertilised in spring to encourage an abundance of fragrant, fresh new growth. Emitting a delightful lemon fragrance, these plants are perfect when positioned along pathways, where their aromatic foliage can be brushed against by passers-by. A tidy and fragrant addition to any herb garden, Lemon Verbena should be commonplace across frost-free gardens in Australia.
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Hortiforum 