Aloysia spp.

Verbenaceae

Southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Aloysia spp. is a genus of about 40 aromatic shrubs and subshrubs in the family Verbenaceae, native to the Americas from the southern United States through Mexico to Argentina and Chile. Most species reach 1-3 m (3-10 ft), occasionally taller, with slender, four-angled stems and narrow, often roughened leaves that release a strong scent when bruised; the lemon scent of A. citrodora is the most familiar. The small flowers, white to pale lilac and only 2-5 mm wide, crowd into slender spikes or branched clusters from late spring through autumn. Though individually tiny, the massed flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other insects. The dry fruit splits into two small nutlets. Aloysia spp. grows in dry scrub, thornveld, on riverbanks, and on rocky slopes, tolerating heat and drought once its roots are deep. Many species drop their leaves in cold or dry spells and are killed back by hard frost, regrowing from the base in spring. Growth is fast in warmth, and plants can become open and woody with age unless cut back. The foliage of several species is used for herbal teas and flavouring.

Native Range

Native to the Americas, from the southern United States and Mexico to Argentina and Chile, growing in dry scrub, thornveld, and along rivers.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb, gravel, and wildlife gardens and as informal hedging in warm climates, and in containers moved indoors for winter elsewhere. The aromatic leaves of A. citrodora and other species are used for teas, desserts, and potpourri.

How to Identify

Recognized by aromatic shrubs with four-angled stems and narrow, often rough or wrinkled leaves that smell strongly when crushed. Tiny white to pale lilac flowers, 2-5 mm wide, are packed into slender spikes or open clusters. The lemon-scented foliage of A. citrodora is a common identifying trait of that species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3'3" - 9'10"

Width/Spread3'3" - 8'2"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Slender spikes of small white to lilac flowers open from late spring through autumn, often in repeated flushes. Each flower is only a few millimetres wide, but they cluster densely. Warmth and moisture extend the flowering season.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most species grow in full sun on light, sharply drained soils and tolerate heat and drought once established. They grow poorly in wet, heavy ground and rot in winter-cold, soggy soils. In frost-prone areas the stems are cut back or killed to the base and regrow in spring; in mild climates plants keep a woody framework. Growth is fast, and an annual hard prune keeps plants leafy rather than bare and twiggy. Container plants can be moved under cover for winter in cold regions.

Pruning

Cutting plants back hard in late winter or early spring controls size and keeps growth leafy and well-branched. Frost-damaged stems are removed at the same time. Light trimming through summer maintains shape and prolongs flowering.