Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Aloysia citrodora prefers consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogged conditions.
Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Also known as Lemon Beebrush · Lemon Verbena
Lemon Bee-Brush (Aloysia citrodora) is a fragrant shrub prized for its lemon-scented leaves, used in teas, culinary dishes, and potpourri.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fragrance.
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
50% intensity
Check the top 2-3 cm of soil; water thoroughly when dry. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost; bring indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Aloysia citrodora prefers consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogged conditions.
Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune in early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Lightly trim back leggy stems throughout the summer to maintain form and promote more fragrant foliage.
Remove any dead or damaged branches at any time.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Select healthy, non-flowering shoots, cut them to 10-15 cm, remove lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant in a moist, well-draining potting mix and keep humid.
Repot every 2-3 years in spring when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend for herbs or a general-purpose mix with added perlite.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Lemon Bee-Brush (Aloysia citrodora)
Where Lemon Bee-Brush (Aloysia citrodora) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Aloysia |
| Species | Aloysia citrodora |
Similar in genus Aloysia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
