How to grow lemon verbena in a raised bed

Lemon verbena has the purest lemon scent of any herb — a deciduous shrub whose leaves make an exquisite tea. It loves a warm, sunny, well-drained spot in a raised bed.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, sheltered & warm
• Spacing: one shrub per 1 m
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth; good drainage
• Time to harvest: pick once established

When should I plant lemon verbena?

Lemon verbena is a frost-tender perennial shrub — plant in spring. It drops its leaves in winter and reshoots in spring; in cold areas, give it a warm, sheltered spot. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): March to April and August to October
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to November
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to November
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to June
• Arid inland: March to April and September to October

How do I grow lemon verbena in a raised bed?

Plant into free-draining mix in the warmest, sunniest corner. Prune in late winter to keep it bushy. Don't panic when it drops its leaves in the cold — that's normal.

How often should I water and feed lemon verbena?

Water to establish and through summer, easing off as it goes dormant. Good drainage is key.

What pests attack lemon verbena?

Keep an eye out for aphids, two-spotted mite and whiteflies — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with lemon verbena?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

What grows well with lemon verbena?

Give it a warm spot of its own; the flowers attract bees. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest lemon verbena?

Pick leaves through the warm months for tea and desserts. They dry beautifully and keep their lemon scent for ages.

More growing guides: lemon balm, mint and lemongrass.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us, via Wikimedia Commons.