The aroma that is breathed in the garden is defined by the set of plants that form it, where the lemon verbena takes on great prominence. It provides a smell that reminds us of lemon and is useful in many infusions. If you want to have an aromatic, ornamental shrub and gastronomic properties do not hesitate, choose lemon verbena.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF LEMON VERBENA AS AN AROMATIC PLANT
The lemon verbena, Aloysia triphylla, is a deciduous shrub native to South America, reaching an average height of between 2 and 5 meters.
It has the peculiarity that it gives off an aroma reminiscent of lemon. In Spain the cultivation is quite widespread and its ornamental use is well known , in addition to its cultivation for the medicinal properties it houses.
HOW DOES THE CLIMATE HAVE TO BE FOR THE CULTIVATION OF LEMON VERBENA?
Lemongrass grows well in well-lit, sunny environments, typical of hot climates. However, it is advisable to semi-shade areas and avoid direct exposure to the wind.
We are adapting a plant used to climates with high temperatures practically throughout the year to climates where temperatures below zero are common in winter. Therefore, at that time you have to take precautions, since it is quite sensitive to frost.
THE CHOICE OF SOIL
The lemon verbena is not demanding in terms of the characteristics of the soil , but you should choose a soil with good drainage that does not cause water stagnations. The best conditions are deep, permeable soils with a pH bordering on neutral (6.5-7.5).
IRRIGATION AND SUBSCRIBER
As in the adaptation to the soil, lemon verbena adapts well to hot climates with periods of drought, but to ensure optimal plant growth it is advisable to maintain the humidity level in the soil, with spaced waterings.
As for the fertilizer, it is not demanding but it does have to be taken into account. It is advisable to add compost or organic fertilizers at the end of the winter period and repeat during flowering (May-September).
LEMONGRASS MULTIPLICATION
If what you have seen interests you and you think you meet the conditions so that your lemon verbena can grow without problems and reach several meters in height, you only have to keep an eye on the neighbor’s or go to a nursery to get it.
We say that of the neighbor because it is reproduced by stakes or layers .
As for the seeds, it is not recommended because they have a low germination power .
A piece of branch is selected from a grown lemongrass, about 10-15 cm with several nodes, and rooted. All this is usually done indoors without temperature variations and greater control over the plant.
Later it is transplanted into permanent soil, where it will surely grow and grow to form an essential and aromatic pillar of your garden.
DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A LEMON VERBENA TEA?
Pick out some leaves, both fresh and dried (if you’ve been storing them for a while). Add a couple of crushed lemon verbena leaves to a cup of boiling water, strain the leaves and ready to drink. Ideal for moments of relaxation, to whet the appetite or to facilitate digestion.