When you Don’t Have Lemons, use Lemon Verbena
 (Read 50+ times)
By Agnes Farside
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Lemon Verbena is a constant in my garden. I love this diversified herb because of its pungent lemony aroma and because it can be used in so many culinary dishes. It is easy to grow and requires little care. It can even be grown year round if you put it in a container and bring it indoors during the harsh winter months.
Lemon Verbena prefers full sun with well-fertilized moist soil, although I have found it tolerates dry spells well, I just do not let it go long without a drink. It is native to South America, where it was discovered by Spanish explorers in the 1700s who took it back to Europe. In South America, it can reach heights up to 10 feet tall; however, it does not grow that tall in the Midwest or northern states. It has been grown as hedges in some mild climate states such as California and Arizona.
Lemon Verbena is a deciduous plant so it will lose its leaves in the fall. I prefer to cut my back in early spring, so that cut branches are not exposed to the cold winter months, and to produce a bushier plant for the summer. It thrives in soil that has been enriched with organic matter, and a covering of falls leaves helps to keep it warm and retain the moisture in the ground surrounding its roots.
Besides real lemons, Lemon Verbena has the strongest lemon scent of any other plant. Dried Lemon Verbena leaves keep their aroma a long time, which makes them an excellent addition to potpourri, herb wreaths, and sachets. It can be used in drinks and adds a great lemony taste to fish, salads, meats, and other dishes.
Lemon Verbena makes an excellent tea and with its known sedative properties is a favorite of mine after a long rushed day at work. Although the tea is excellent to drink, it is even more relaxing when added to hot bath water.
Infuse Lemon Verbena leaves with vinegar to add a refreshing scent to a handy multi-purpose cleaner.
Lemon Verbena can be added to water to create a vitalizing mouthwash or add its essential oil to homemade lotions or shampoos.
I could not imagine my herb garden not having this delightful plant growing in it.
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Author Bio Box: Agnes Farside
 Please check out my other articles at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/110407/agnes_farside.html
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