South American deciduous shrub with narrow pointed leaves that release an intense pure lemon fragrance when brushed, and clusters of small white-mauve flowers in late summer. Among the most strongly lemon-scented plants in cultivation.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–11 | −12.2 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–6 | −5 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Native to Argentina, Chile, and Peru
- Edible leaves — used fresh and dried for the most pure lemon-flavoured herbal tea available, and for flavouring desserts, sorbets, and South American sweet drinks
- Frost-tender top growth — cut back in autumn, mulch heavily, regrows from base in zone 8; treat as a container plant in cooler zones
- Source of lemon verbena essential oil used in traditional French eau de cologne
Categories
Related plants
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