Verbena seems to be in every hand soap, body wash and moisturiser that I pick up at the moment and it's great that it is getting so popular, the plant it's referring to, however, is not any old Verbena (there are many) it's Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) which is incredibly easy to grow and add to your collection. Here I will tell you a little bit about it and where the best place to grow it is.
It comes from South America originally and was brought over to Europe by the Portuguese in around the 17th century and has taken off here due to its many many uses.
It's a perennial shrub and grows to about 3m in height and around the same in width. It was slender green leaves that feel like fine sandpaper to the touch. Its flowers are fronds of mini light purple/white flowers that bloom in and around early summer. It grows very well in most borders but can be kept in pots and containers.
The main draw to it is its scent which it emits whenever the leaves are brushed against so it's a great one for placing in pots that are beside your front door or along a path where people are walking.
It is a relatively hardy plant but is not very frost hardy so if you are planting it outside make sure it's a spot that won't get any hard frost during the winter, if you are planting in containers it's best practice to bring them in over the harder winter weeks. It does best when planted in a full sun site although it will tolerate being semi shaded you won't get the best from it.
It's very hungry and thirsty during it's growing season so be sure to give it plenty of water especially if growing in pots. For fertiliser use something like Maxicrop Seaweed Fertiliser every 2-3 weeks in your watering routine.
It has a tendency to throw off wayward shoots when it's doing well so regular pruning back when it does this will encourage it to grow bushier rather than leggier.
Other than just smelling great the shrub has so so many uses. Its leaves are edible and taste great when put in salads or dressings.
Houseflies hate the scent so a bunch placed on the kitchen table or in windows will discourage them from staying or coming into the house.
Mosquitoes also hate it and a little fresh Verbena rubbed over the arms, ankles and neck will act as a natural repellent.
It makes an excellent refreshing tea and can be lovely when baked into shortbread with a bit of lavender seed.
It can be dried and placed in bags to place in a pillow to promote sleep quality (along with the lavender if you like).
It is a great remedy for tired achy muscles and can be added to massage oil or a hot bath to help relax.
With all its many uses and the fact that it is such a low maintenance pretty plant there really is very little reason not to grow Lemon Verbena! Come into the store and we will be happy to give you a hand to get you started :)
