Many people link the lemon verbena to pricey lotions and soaps. It’s true that this plant is used in many products whose price tags can shock you to the core.
However, growing this scented plant in your garden is cheap, straightforward, and has many benefits.
Let’s see why you should plant lemon verbena near your sitting areas and how to make it happy and healthy!
Benefits And Uses
If you’ve been struggling with annoying bugs that invade your sitting areas, all you need to do is plant lemon verbena nearby. This potent plant can deter bugs because of its strong scent. (1)
People find this scent very pleasing, but for the bugs, the story is completely different. Spiders, mosquitos, and other pesky creatures won’t come near your porch or patio.
Instead of purchasing expensive chemical products, you can use this plant as a natural pest control method.
Well, you don’t need to use this amazing plant as a pest deterrent only. It is an edible plant and will make an excellent addition to many dishes.
All you need to do is pick a few leaves and blend them to make seasoning for chicken or syrup for a lemonade. The leaves of this amazing plant make one of the best teas I’ve ever tried.
And if you don’t want to use it in cooking, you can make a spray and your home will smell fresh and clean.
Caring For Lemon Verbena
This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, so your goal is to provide it with similar conditions.
Warmer temperatures, a lot of full sun, and a quick-draining potting mix are the best combination that will give you a healthy and thriving lemon verbena.
If you live in warmer climates, you can plant this scented species directly in the ground. Of course, the soil must be free-draining or you risk root rot in your lemon verbena.
Those who live in cooler climates should grow this plant in containers. When the temperatures start to drop, cut back on watering and move your lemon verbena indoors to trigger dormancy.
As soon as the temperatures increase in the spring, take the plant outdoors and, of course, put it near your sitting areas.
Make sure to water it regularly and you’ll enjoy pest-free summer nights!
References
1. Khani, Abbas & Basavand, Farzaneh & Rakhshani, Ehsan. (2012). Chemical composition and insecticide activity of lemon verbena essential oil. Journal of crop protection.