Lemon Verbena planted into allotment patch 9 June 2018.
Lemon verbena is a pretty shrub that can grow up to 10 feet. It is perennial and deciduous, and so loses its leaves in late autumn/ winter.
Plant in a sunny, well-drained sheltered location. In autumn they need protection from frost, such as being covered by bracken or other light mulch.
As it’s deciduous it can be cut back in winter.Grow from cuttings in summer.
Plant Diary
We planted a lemon verbena (lippia citriodora) into the allotment patch on 9 June 2018. We found to our chagrin that slugs and/or snails quite enjoy a bit of verbena, so we had to protect by laying prickly twigs and sprinkling slug pellets. Subsequent experience tells us that they are not especially slug prone, but perhaps this was an initial effect of being newly planted in and a little vulnerable.
Harvest Notes
- Chop leaves into ice cube trays, top up with water, and freeze. Perfect accompaniment to a refreshing G&T.
Philosophising... 