Aloysia gratissima - Eucalyptus Verbena - Plant

Description

• Verbenaceae Lamiales
• Argentine, Uruguay
• H 3m x W 2m
•  Z7 
• Evergreen, deciduous in cold climates
• Synonyms: Lippia lycioides
• 1 plant bare root

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Details

Aloysia gratissima is a small shrub, taller than wide, with very aromatic foliage, which scent is reminiscent of eucalyptus

The leaves are dark green, small, lanceolate to elliptical, leathery, and opposite

They are deciduous in European latitudes

The adult plant flowers profusely in early summer

The flowers are small, white, very fragrant, gathered in clusters

Their sweet and powerfull, vanilla-like scent is extremely pleasant and diffuses throughout the surrounding garden at certain hours of the day

Young plants must be protected from frost, but adult plants are hardy to -15°C

Eucalyptus Verbena is the source of an essential oil which contains: Limonene, Pinene, Camphrene, Sabinene, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Terpinene, 1,8-cineole, Linalool, Camphor, Endo-borneol, Terpineol, and Carveol

Aloysia gratissima is traditionally used as a medicinal plant for treating respiratory disorders (bronchitis, cough, etc.)

Eucalyptus Verbena is also used to deodorize and repel mosquitoes

It makes an excellent caffeine-free infusion, aromatic, thirst-quenching and refreshing

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Cultivation

Plant in a large pot the young Eucalyptus Verbena plant that you will receive, in a mixture of potting soil and garden soil

Grow it in a nursery for 1 season before planting in the garden

In autumn, plant in open ground, in a very sunny position

Any well-drained garden soil, deep, cool in summer, and of average fertility, is suitable

Protect from frost the first 2 winters to allow the plant to settle

This precaution is no longer necessary with the adult bush (hardy to -15°C), except in case of extreme cold

In summer, if the soil is too dry and Aloysia gratissima starts loosing its leaves, water the first few years, while the root system settles

Cut back the plants that are too tall if necessary

Very easy cultivation