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Aloysia triphylla




Family: Verbena (verbenaceae)
Origin: The aloysia family comprises about 35 species. One of the most beautiful is lemon verbena, also known as the lemon shrub, which is sometimes known by its older botanical name Lippia tripylla. It is indigenous to Uruguay, Argentina and Chile.
Features: Outdoors, the shrub grows up to 16 feet tall, grown in a pot it is usually smaller. The lancet leaves (up to 4 inches long) have a strong lemon odor if you rub them in your hand. In summer, the plant produces small violet flowers in branched clusters (panicles), which also smell good.
Location for growth: Lemon verbena grows best in partial shade. A few hours of sun in the morning or evening suffice. As a rule, rich humus or potting soil is recommended when lemon verbena is grown in pots. In summer, it can also be grown outdoor, but do not forget to put it in a pot and place indoor before the first frost.
Cultivation: During winter, Aloysia needs a light, airy, frost-free environment, and temperatures from 35-40 F degrees are just enough. If you keep in a dark place it loses its leaves. In the winter, the plant needs only enough water to keep it from drying out, but in summer, the plant must be watered regularly. Before digging the plant up, you can cut it back sharply and pick off the shoots. These can be rooted at the temperatures of 70F. Pinch back the young plants several times so they can grow into small shrubs. Fertilize weekly from spring to late summer. The shrub is very vulnerable to aphids.
Harvest: As a rule, the leaves keep best when dried and stored in sealed bottles in a dark place. The extract is know as Herba Verbenae odoratae and can beobtained from a pharmacy.
Cuisine: The aromatic leaves can be used in many recipes. You can add a leaf to the water, for example, to spice boiled fish. Lemon verbena leaves are also a favorite ingredient in tea in France and Spain.
Health effects: The essential oils calm down and relieve stomach cramps. Added to tea they aid digestion. Leaves added to a bath release a relaxing fragrance.
Cosmetics: The essential oils are used in the production of perfumes and other cosmetics. You can dry the leaves yourself and use them in a potpourri.
Decorative uses: Grown in pots on your balcony or terrace, they not only look nice, but smell good too! Because of their lemony aroma, they should be placed near where you sit and relax.

TIPS:
Lemon and lime fans can grow their own trees. They need a warmer place than lemon verbena, but can be grown in pots without much effort. If you keep them in a sunny place at temperatures ranging from 60-65F during the winter, they will produce delicious fruit rich in vitamin C. The juice reduces fever, has antiseptic effects, and is suitable as an ingredient in drinks and foods. It can be added to salad
dressings, roasted meats, soft drinks, or cocktails. Lime peels is less useful, whereas ground lemon peel can be added to cakes, sauces, teas, or mulled wine.