How to grow Lemon Verbena in New Zealand
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a deciduous shrub with the most intense lemon scent of any herb. Its long, narrow leaves make a superb tea, flavour desserts, cordials and syrups, and hold their fragrance when dried. It loves sun and warmth and dislikes wet feet, and while the leaves fall in a cool winter, it shoots strongly again in spring.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Lemon Verbena in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to January | |
| Auckland | September to January | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | September to January | |
| Central North Island | November and December | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October to January | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October to January | |
| Canterbury | November and December | |
| Otago & Southland | November and December | |
| Central Otago | December |
Where to plant
Plant lemon verbena in a warm, sunny spot sheltered from wind, in light, free-draining soil. It does not like wet feet, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. In hot districts light shade in the afternoon is fine.
It drops its leaves in cool winters and can be killed by hard frosts, roughly below minus 6°C. In cold districts plant it against a warm wall, mulch the roots in winter or grow it in a pot that can come under cover.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty: plant from September to January. It may stay partly evergreen in mild winters.
- Wellington and Nelson and Marlborough: plant from October to January in a warm, sheltered spot.
- Central North Island, Canterbury, Otago and Southland: plant in November or December against a warm wall, and mulch the root zone before winter.
- Central Otago: plant in December, and grow it in a pot that can come under cover for winter, as hard frosts are likely to kill it.
How to plant
- Buy a plant, or take softwood cuttings 2 to 5 cm long in spring just as new shoots appear. Seed is possible but slower.
- Enrich the planting spot with a little compost or blood and bone, and improve drainage if needed.
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot, water in, and space about 1 m from other shrubs.
- Tip prune young plants to make them bushy.
Watering and feeding
Water moderately through the growing season and let the soil dry a little between waterings. Never leave it sitting in wet soil, especially in winter when it is dormant.
Feed lightly in spring and summer with a liquid fertiliser at half strength, especially in pots.
Pruning and care through the year
- Tip prune through summer to keep the plant compact and bushy.
- Prune harder in early winter, or at the end of winter in frosty districts, to shape the bush and remove dead wood.
- Be patient in spring. Lemon verbena is late to leaf out, and bare stems are usually still alive.
Harvesting
Pick leaves and sprigs from spring through to autumn, taking tips to keep the plant bushy. The scent is strongest in summer. Pick a large batch before the leaves fall in autumn and dry it for winter tea.
Dry leaves on a rack in a warm, airy spot out of the sun and store in a sealed jar, where they keep their scent for a long time. Fresh leaves keep a few days in the fridge.
Growing in pots
Lemon verbena grows well in a pot at least 25 to 30 cm wide and deep, in quality potting mix in a sunny spot. A pot lets you move it to shelter in cold winters. Feed in the growing season and repot every two or three years to refresh the mix.
Propagation and saving seed
Take softwood cuttings in spring, 2 to 5 cm long, just as the buds are shooting. Strip the lower leaves, insert them into free-draining propagating mix and keep them warm and humid until they root.
Varieties
- Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
Companion planting
Lemon verbena suits a sunny herb garden or a warm spot near the kitchen, where you can brush past it.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Lemon verbena has few problems outdoors. Spider mite can build up in hot, dry weather and under cover.
Pests to watch for
- Spider mite Fine pale speckling on the leaves, which turn bronze, with fine webbing, in hot, dry spells or indoors.
- Aphids Clusters on soft new tips in spring.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Plants fail to leaf out or wilt and die in wet, poorly drained soil.
Common questions
Has my lemon verbena died over winter?
Probably not. It is deciduous in cool winters and late to leaf out in spring. Scratch a stem: green underneath means it is alive. Wait until late spring before cutting out stems that stay brown.
Can lemon verbena take frost?
It takes light frosts while dormant, but hard frosts, roughly below minus 6°C, can kill it. In cold districts plant it against a warm wall, mulch the roots, or grow it in a pot that comes under cover.
How do I use lemon verbena?
Steep fresh or dried leaves for tea, infuse them into syrups, custards and cordials, or chop young leaves into fruit salads and desserts. Remove tough leaves before serving.
When should I prune lemon verbena?
Tip prune through summer to keep it bushy, and prune harder in early winter, or at the end of winter in frosty areas, to shape it and remove dead wood.
Can I grow lemon verbena in a pot?
Yes. Use a pot at least 25 to 30 cm wide with free-draining mix in full sun, feed in the growing season, and repot every two or three years.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow lemon verbena; Herb Federation of New Zealand: Lemon verbena.