Aloysia triphylla Verbenaceae

CULTIVATION A half-hardy perennial, it has aromatic, narrow, lance-shaped leaves and spikes of small pale-pink flowers from midsummer. It grows to a height of 45cm-1m (18-36in) and prefers light, poor soil and full sun in a sheltered position. Propagate it by sowing seeds or taking stem cuttings in spring, planting them 60cm (2ft) apart. Harvest the leaves whenever available and the flowers in full bloom in midsummer. Grow lemon verbena as a border, container or conservatory herb.