Lemon verbena, a fragrant herb, offers a delightful citrus scent and flavor, making it a popular addition to many gardens. Its aromatic qualities are prized for culinary uses and for creating pleasant fragrances around the home. Growing this herb in pots is a practical choice, especially for those with limited outdoor space or in cold climates, as container cultivation allows plants to be moved indoors when conditions become unfavorable.
Choosing the Right Pot for Lemon Verbena
The pot should be at least 12 inches in diameter for a mature plant, providing ample room for root development. While various materials like plastic or terracotta can be used, adequate drainage holes are essential. Lemon verbena dislikes consistently wet roots, and proper drainage prevents waterlogging. Terracotta pots offer good breathability, while plastic pots retain moisture more effectively, which can be advantageous in hotter climates or for less frequent watering.
Planting Lemon Verbena in Containers
Lemon verbena thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A high-quality potting mix is suitable, and incorporating compost enhances nutrient content and drainage.
To plant, gently remove the lemon verbena from its nursery container, taking care not to damage the root ball. Position the plant in the new pot at the same depth it was previously growing, then backfill with potting mix, lightly pressing around the base to remove air pockets. After planting, a thorough initial watering helps settle the soil around the roots.
Essential Care for Potted Lemon Verbena
Light
Lemon verbena requires ample sunlight to flourish and develop its strong lemon scent. The plant performs best with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Placing the potted plant in a south-facing location or an area with full sun is ideal. In regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can help protect the leaves from scorching, though sufficient morning sun remains important.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important, but overwatering can be detrimental. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check soil moisture regularly, watering deeply when the top two inches feel dry. Potted plants dry out faster, requiring more frequent checks. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings helps prevent root issues.
Fertilizing
Lemon verbena benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as one with a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio, applied every few weeks throughout spring and summer, supports vigorous growth. Alternatively, incorporating aged compost into the potting mix provides a slow release of nutrients. During the dormant season, fertilizer applications should be reduced or stopped.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and maintains the plant’s shape. Pinching off the tops of young plants promotes lateral branches and a fuller plant. A more substantial prune, cutting back by about one-third to one-half, in early spring as new growth emerges encourages compact, thicker foliage. Throughout the growing season, snip off branches as needed, which encourages continued leaf production.
Overwintering Potted Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena is a tender perennial sensitive to frost, requiring overwintering in colder climates. When outdoor temperatures consistently drop below 40°F (4°C), bring the plant indoors. Before moving indoors, reduce watering in the weeks prior to prepare the plant for dormancy.
Once inside, the plant may naturally lose many leaves as it enters dormancy, a normal response to reduced light and cooler indoor conditions. Place the potted plant in a cool, bright location, such as a sunny window. During this dormant phase, water sparingly, once a week or when the soil is dry, as water needs are significantly reduced. Providing supplemental artificial lighting can help prevent some leaf loss, though it is not always necessary for successful overwintering.
Harvesting and Using Lemon Verbena
Harvesting lemon verbena leaves can be done throughout the growing season. Most flavorful leaves are obtained when the plant is at least 10 inches tall with multiple leaves, ideally as flowers begin to appear. Rather than plucking individual leaves, snip entire stems using clean, sharp shears, cutting back to a leaf node. Up to one-quarter of the plant’s stems can be removed at each harvest without causing harm, encouraging new growth.
Lemon verbena offers wide culinary uses, its distinct citrus flavor substituting for lemon zest. It also complements savory dishes, lending a bright note to poultry, fish, and vegetables.
Fresh Leaf Uses
Making soothing herbal teas
Adding to fruit salads
Infusing into syrups, vinegars, and oils
Dried Leaf Uses
Potpourri
Sachets
Long-term tea making