Aloysia

( al - OY - see - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs and subshrubs that need full sun and regular water to grow well. Plants are highly aromatic, producing a fresh lemony to vanilla-like scent. These plants are commonly called Beebrushes, and their foliage is their main draw; flowers are small and white, blooming on short spikes. Aloysia species are native to the warmer areas of North and South America. Take care when planting these shrubs in your garden, as it has been reported by some sources that they can be toxic to horses, dogs and cats.

Aloysia Species and Varietals

The genus Aloysia is in the family Verbenaceae (Verbena), and is named for the wife of King Charles IV of Spain, Maria Luisa of Parma. She loved the perfume made from the plant, and at the time was a princess; Aloysia is also commonly known as Yerba de la Princesa. It is also sometimes called Cedron, a Spanish name that references Lemon Verbena and is a name given to teas made from steeping the leaves of these plants. There are 41 species in the genus, which is closely related to Lippia. The ideal growing zones for Aloysia plants vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Aloysia citrodora (Aloysia triphylla, Lippia citriodora) (Lemon Verbena, Lemon Beebrush)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 9, 10 and 12-21 and is native to Argentina and Chile. Plants reach 6-8 feet tall and almost as wide, with a sprawling, gangly habit. They are loved for their fragrant foliage; the leaves can be used to flavor teas and iced drinks and can retain their scent for years when dried. Flowers appear in small white clusters in summertime. Grow among lower plants to hide its sparse habit. Can also be trained into a hedge, or as an indoor plant if pinched frequently. This plant was brought to Europe by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 17th century and was cultivated for its oil. Considered invasive in Cuba and South Africa.

Aloysia deserticola (Rica-Rica, Kore)
This aromatic shrub is endemic to Chile, and forms a branching shrub to between 1 and 3 feet tall. Leaves are yellow-green and very small. The leaves are commonly used as an aromatic herb with a fragrance similar to mint, used to flavor dishes, drinks, and ice cream in its native range. These plants are best suited for growing in desert or similar arid climates.

Aloysia virgata (Sweet Almond Verbena, Sweet Almond Bush, Incense Bush)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 7-9 and 11-24. It is native to Argentina, reaching 8-15 feet tall and about 5-8 feet wide as a small tree, but can also take the form of a shrub. Flowers are tiny and white, appearing in spring through summer on spikes. They are very fragrant, and the entire plant smells of almond (hence its common names). This species grows well in full sun to partial shade and needs little to moderate water. Incense Bush will attract both hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden.

Aloysia wrightii (Wright's Beebrush, Oreganillo, Desert Oregano, Mintbush Lippia, Wright's Lippia)
These plants are native to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, and produce thick branches. Individual plants reach about 6 feet tall and have a rounded form. Leaves are lightly toothed and have hairy undersides. Flowers are white and a valuable nectar source for bees and moths. Oreganillo does well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-11b, thriving in warmer climates.

Caring for Aloysia

Plant your Aloysia in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. When these flowers are grown in less light, they will not flower as profusely. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for best coverage and airflow. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.1 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils but not soggy conditions. Aloysia plants are not considered cold-hardy, and can benefit from being covered with frost cloth when temperatures drop below freezing. Apply more mulch in wintertime to protect roots.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Aloysias can tend to get a little woody or lanky over time, which makes them look a bit haggard. In temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit, Aloysia will lose some leaves and enter dormancy. To improve their appearance, cut plants back by a third to a half of their height in early springtime to encourage a more compact, bushy growth. This will also result in more leaves for harvesting. Aloysia plants can live for several years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Aloysia in Containers
Aloysia plants can be grown in the ground or in containers. Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes and is a few inches wider and deeper than the root ball of the plant. Fill with well-draining potting soil amended with organic matter, compost, and perlite. Top with a layer of organic mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water plants regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil; Aloysias grown in containers will need more frequent waterings than those grown in the ground. Prune to remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage during the growing season and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Aloysias can tend to get a little woody or lanky over time, which makes them look a bit haggard. In temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit, Aloysia will lose some leaves and enter dormancy. To improve their appearance, cut plants back by a third to a half of their height in early springtime to encourage a more compact, bushy growth.

Caring for Aloysia Indoors
Aloysia plants can be cultivated as indoor houseplants with success. Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom, and fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic matter or compost and perlite. Choose a space that receives bright, indirect sunlight. A few feet away from a south- or east-facing window is ideal. Top soil with a layer of mulch to maintain consistent soil temperatures and increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly to keep soil moist; Aloysias grown in pots will need more frequent waterings than those grown in the ground, but indoor plants will also retain a bit more water than outdoor-grown container plants. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage during the growing season and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Aloysias can tend to get a little woody or lanky over time, which makes them look a bit haggard. To improve their appearance, cut plants back by a third to a half of their height in early springtime to encourage a more compact, bushy growth.

Harvesting Aloysia
The leaves of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) are used to add a lemony flavor to many recipes, including fish and poultry dishes, marinades, teas, liquors, jams, puddings, and salad dressings. Leaves can be used as a substitute for lemon juice or lemon zest in recipes. To harvest the leaves of Lemon Verbena, wait until the plant has reached at least 10 inches tall and has multiple leaves per stem. Leaves are most flavorful when the plant is just beginning to flower. Do not simply pluck the leaves from the stem and walk away; cut the stem off within a quarter inch of a leaf or stem node, and ensure that you are not removing more than a quarter of the length of a stem to keep the plant healthy. Then, remove the leaves from your cutting. Leaves can be used fresh or dried; fresh leaves will have a milder, lemony flavor and dried leaves have a more concentrated, earthy taste. To dry leaves, hang entire stems upside down in a cool, dark, dry area until they have dried out and become brittle. To make a simple tea, steep a handful of dried Lemon Verbena leaves in warm water, strain, and enjoy hot or cold.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

The easiest way to propagate Aloysia is through cutting. These plants produce very few viable seeds, and those that are viable are difficult to germinate. In order to propagate Aloysia via cutting, follow these directions:

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material.
In summer, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4-6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip off all of the lower leaves, leaving the top two on the cutting. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in cool, sunny conditions indoors (but not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth on your propagated Abutilon, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home, either outdoors or inside as a house plant. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new Aloysia.

Problems and Pests

Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as some species are considered invasive in Cuba and South Africa. Check with local authorities before planting. Aloysia is rarely affected by pests or disease if grown in the right conditions, though they can be susceptible to developing issues with the following from time to time: