How to Grow Lemon Verbena - Uses, Pruning and Over wintering

Lemon Verbena - A Fragrant Herb

Its early summer and this is one of the most popular herbs. Its called Lemon Verbena, it has very fragrant foliage and the leaves can be used fresh or dried and even used as a tea. You can grow it in containers so it makes a good potted herb for patios, balconies and smaller gardens.

It is most commonly used for making tea although it can also be used for cooking if you want that lemony taste and fragrance.

This is a one year old plant, and depending on your climate zone you can grow it outdoors, or in cooler zones overwinter it indoors.

If you need to overwinter Lemon Verbena indoors, bring it inside when it begins to get a little cold. You can keep it going for a while on a warm windowsill, and eventually let it go dormant. Keep the plant in a cool dark position, (not to cold) and water it once a month until spring comes around. You can then move it back into the garden in a warm sunny position.

In spring, cut the plant back hard and fertilise it with a good organic fertiliser, you will get good new growth and after a year or two the plant will branch more and develop a more bushy habit.

The leaves can be used as a substitute for Lemon Grass.

The leaves can be stripped of the stems, placed on wire screen in a dry position. You can also cut stems and hang them up to dry, just ensure you have good airflow to allow the leaves to dry properly. You can also use a dehydrator.

Propagation is from seed, or from cuttings.

Uses in cooking include fish, poultry, salads and cakes.

Also used for

Lemon Verbena Soap
Lemon verbena potpourri
Lemon Verbena Syrup
Lemon Verbena Scones
Lemon Butter
Lemon Verbena Hair Rinse

Hers are some useful links
rivercottage.net/recipes/scent-from-heaven-cake…
placeatthetable.net/2017/05/21/braised-chicken-…
greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/sea-bass-lemon-ve…