Aloysia citrodora
Common name(s): lemon verbena
Description: perennial; a deciduous shrub native to South America. The leaves have some of the most concentrated lemon flavor of any herb and make for an excellent culinary flavoring.
Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Position: full sun and perfectly-draining soil
Uses: culinary- savory dishes, tea, cocktails, or desserts, cooking oil & cosmetic infusions, potpourri, medicine
Winter Hardiness: to 15 F and below (winter hardiness can be greatly improved by providing impeccable drainage around the root system and/or positioning under an awning or evergreen tree that will deflect winter rainfall.)
Drought: adapted to 2+ months of summer drought
Distribution: SW Bolivia, NW Argentina, Paraguay
Care: regular tip pruning during the growing season will encourage branching and a denser, more compact shrub. a thin layer of fine gravel around the base can insulate the ground and will result in a hardier, longer-lived plant.