Lemon verbena: photo, cultivation and care

Lemon verbena is a member of the Verbena family, a perennial essential oil crop with a pronounced citrus aroma of the aerial parts. In open ground grown in the North Caucasus to produce oil. Used in folk medicine, cooking and perfume industry.

Description of lemon verbena

In its natural environment, lemon verbena grows in countries with a subtropical climate, in Our Country – on the Black Sea coast, in the Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories. In regions with a cold climate, lemon verbena is grown in greenhouses or at home in flower pots. The frost resistance of the plant is low, the maximum indicator is -12 ⁰C.

A perennial evergreen shrub also known as Lemon Lippia

Description of the plant:

• has a sprawling shape, volume and height reach two meters;
• stems erect, with drooping tops. The structure of the shoots is rigid, the surface is smooth, dark brown;
• inflorescences are formed on the tops and from the leaf sinuses;
• the leafiness of verbena is dense, the plates are oblong, narrow, lanceolate type with sharp tops and smooth edges;
• the arrangement is opposite or whorled. The surface is slightly corrugated, with a pronounced central vein;
• leaves are rigid, with a citrus smell, light green;
• spike-shaped inflorescences consist of small, simple flowers with a purple core and light pink petals;
• the root system is pivotal with numerous processes;
• the fruit is a dry, hard drupe.

The plant blooms from July to autumn (until the first drop in temperature).

Features of reproduction

Lemon verbena is propagated in a generative and vegetative way – cuttings.

Seeds are harvested at the end of the season, approximately in October. Planted in a fertile substrate in early March. Pre-placed for three days in water, then kept in a damp cloth for 5 days in the refrigerator.

Sowing Lemon Verbena Seeds:

1. The containers are filled with a soil mixture consisting of peat and humus with the addition of sand.
2. After planting, water abundantly and cover the container with a dark film.
3. Sprouts will appear in 10-15 days, this time the containers should be at a temperature of + 25 ⁰C.
4. When the lemon verbena seeds germinate, the protective film is removed and the seedlings are placed in a well-lit place, the soil is sprayed with a spray gun, because the seedlings do not tolerate excess moisture.
5. After the appearance of three leaves, verbena dive.

If propagation is carried out by cuttings, the material is harvested at the end of spring. Shoots 10-15 cm long are cut from the top of the lemon verbena. Sections are treated with an antifungal drug, placed for 2 hours in “Kornevin” or any agent that stimulates growth. Then planted in flower pots or a container with fertile soil. You can make a mini greenhouse on the site in a shaded place and cover it with a film. Seedlings will be ready for transfer to a permanent place in about 30 days.

Strong specimens are selected from the total mass and seated in separate peat glasses

Features of growing lemon verbena

Plant lemon verbena on the plot at the beginning of the growing season, when there is no threat of returning frosts. Compost, peat and nitrophoska are introduced into the drained planting pit. A well-lit place is allocated for the plant, because the culture is sun-loving and does not respond well to shade. After placement, pinch the tops so that the bush better forms side shoots.

The soil for lemon verbena should be neutral, slightly acidic composition is allowed.

In one area, verbena can grow for more than 10-15 years, the culture blooms 3 months after planting.

Lemon verbena care in the open field is as follows:

1. After planting, mulching of the root circle is recommended. This event is relevant for plants of any age. The material will help retain moisture and save the gardener from loosening the soil.
2. Weeding is carried out at the beginning of the season, then the bush grows, completely displacing weeds.
3. Regular watering is necessary so that the top layer of soil is moist, but water stagnation should not be allowed, because excess moisture can cause root and stem rotting.
4. In spring, lemon verbena is fed with nitrogen, it is necessary for better formation of the aerial part. At the time of shoot formation, superphosphate and ammonium nitrate are added; during flowering, potassium and phosphorus are given. Apply organic matter in the fall.
5. For the winter, the vervain is cut off completely, the layer of mulch is increased and covered with straw.

Lemon verbena is ideal for growing on balconies or loggias. In stationary conditions, the plant rarely exceeds a height of 45-50 cm, so it does not take up much space.

A few tips for growing lemon verbena in a flower pot:

1. The plant can be obtained from seeds or cuttings.
2. The pot must be placed on the south or east window.
3. At the beginning of summer, lemon verbena is taken out to an open area, balcony or garden so that the place is not shaded.
4. The culture does not like drafts and waterlogging of the soil; these features are taken into account when watering and placing.
5. You can feed at home with nitrogen-containing preparations, mineral complex fertilizers and organic matter.

In winter, lemon verbena is watered once every 1 weeks, top dressing is not needed for the dormant period.

You can not keep pots near heating appliances, if it is not possible to create the required temperature, the plant is periodically sprayed or placed in a pan with wet sand. With low air humidity, the leaves of verbena dry and crumble.

The culture is cut off by 40% in the spring, the tops on the remaining branches are wringed. Shoots of lemon verbena quickly form a replacement and intensively increase their green mass. During the season, you can break the side shoots if necessary, and cut off the rest in the fall.

Every 2 years, lemon verbena is transplanted into a larger pot, the root system of the plant grows rapidly. If the container is small, the shrub begins to shed its leaves.

Benefits of Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is classified as a plant with medicinal properties. The main concentration of essential oils is found in the leaves and stems. The culture is grown to obtain raw materials by steam distillation. The process is laborious, the yield of oils is insignificant, hence the high price of products.

The composition of lemon verbena includes active substances with medicinal properties:

• terpene ketones;
• photocitral;
• alcohols;
• nerol;
• aldehydes;
• geraniol;
• polyphenols;
• caryophyllene;
• glycosides.

In Arab countries, lemon verbena oil is considered an aphrodisiac that increases libido.

Healing properties of verbena tea

For the preparation of the drink, crushed leaves and stems are used in raw or dried form. For 200 g of boiling water take 2 tbsp. l. raw materials. Insist 20 min. Drink in the afternoon or before bed without sugar.

What are the medicinal properties of lemon verbena tea?

1. Effectively relieves seasonal viral infections, lowers the temperature, eliminates cough, removes phlegm from the bronchi.
2. Increases immunity. A high concentration of ascorbic acid in the stems and leaves of lemon verbena prevents the development of beriberi.
3. Improves appetite, promotes the production of gastric secretion, normalizes the digestion process. Shown tea for gastritis and peptic ulcer.
4. Relieves symptoms of asthenia, restores muscle tone, has a sedative effect, relieves irritability, anxiety, improves sleep quality, and relieves headaches.
5. Lemon verbena is recommended for anemia. With a heavy menstrual cycle, it has an analgesic effect.
6. The culture is used for skin diseases, the chemical composition of verbena oil includes bactericidal substances that relieve itching and inflammation.
7. Used in the treatment of urological diseases. The diuretic removes stones from the ureters and kidneys;
8. Verbena restores liver tissue cells.

Tea is good for high cholesterol. It has a cleansing effect, removes toxins from the body.

The green mass of lemon verbena can be used fresh, dried in large quantities or stored in the freezer in a freezer bag

Uses of lemon verbena

The beneficial properties of the culture are used in alternative medicine and in the perfume industry. Oils are often used in aromatherapy for relaxation and recuperation, used in saunas and baths.

In folk medicine

In folk medicine, decoctions and tinctures from the leaves and stems of lemon verbena are used. For this purpose, fresh or harvested and pre-dried raw materials are taken. You can use the flowers of the plant, but the concentration of active substances in them is lower.

For the treatment of the liver or spleen, a decoction is made, which is also effective for cholesterol plaques:

1. For 500 ml of water, take 2 tbsp. l. crushed dry raw materials.
2. Put on fire, boil for 3 minutes.
3. The container is covered and insisted for 12 hours, it is better to make a decoction in the evening.

This is the daily rate, it is divided into 2 parts, the first portion is used after dinner, the second before bedtime. Course 14 days.

To improve the walls of blood vessels in thrombosis or atherosclerosis, make the following infusion of verbena:

1. 1 tsp are poured into a thermos with a volume of 3 liter. dry raw materials.
2. Pour in boiling water.
3. Leave for 6 hours, strain and refrigerate.

Drink in the daytime 1 tbsp. l., maintaining an interval of 2 hours. When the tincture is over, make a daily break and repeat the procedure.

Restorative, relieving fatigue and nervous tension infusion of lemon lipppia:

1. Pour 2 tbsp into a glass. l. dry verbena.
2. Pour in boiling water, close.
3. Withstand 3 hours, filtered.

Divided into 2 doses, the first dose is used in the afternoon, the second before bedtime. Course – 7 days.

Inflammatory processes in the urinary system are treated with the following decoction:

1. Pour 500 g of dry raw lemon verbena into a container with water (50 ml).
2. Bring to a boil, set aside.
3. Withstand 3 hours, filtered.

Divided into 5 doses and drunk every 2 hours, the course of treatment takes 5 days.

In aromatherapy

Alternative medicine uses lemon verbena oil for massage, which improves blood circulation by normalizing the functions of the vascular system. Eliminates spasms in the vessels of the brain, relieves pain, dizziness, nausea. Lippia lemon oil is included in the complex of essential compositions in saunas or baths. The application helps to relieve fatigue, nervous tension, improves mood and sleep quality.

In cosmetology

Lemon verbena oil is added to creams and lotions with anti-cellulite action.

An essential oil substance is used in perfume to create a subtle citrus aroma.

Products based on natural raw materials restore skin elasticity. Has a tightening effect. Relieves irritation and inflammation on the epidermis. Shampoos with the inclusion of lemon verbena restore the hair structure, relieve dandruff. Shower gels with lemon lipppia oil, tone muscles, eliminate excessive sweating.

At home

Lemon verbena oil is used for wet cleaning of living quarters. Add a few drops of the essential substance to the water and wipe the furniture, frames, doors, use for cleaning the bathroom. Citrus aroma eliminates unpleasant odors of mold, tobacco smoke.

The pungent lemon smell repels insects, especially mosquitoes. A few drops of verbena are applied to cotton pads and laid out near open windows, balcony doors, these events are especially relevant at night, the flavored substance will improve sleep and repel insects.

Limitations and contraindications

It is not recommended to use tea, decoctions or tinctures of lemon verbena in the following cases:

• with an allergic reaction to this herb;
• children under 10-12 years old;
• during pregnancy and lactation;
• with asthma;
• with unstable blood pressure.

If lemon lippia oil is added on its own to a cream or lotion, start with the minimum dosage. Essential compounds can cause irritation on sensitive skin and the effect will be the opposite of what you want.

When and how to harvest lemon verbena leaves

By the flowering period, lemon verbena accumulates all the necessary substances, at this time their concentration is highest. Raw materials are harvested from July to September. Stems, flowers and leaves are separated. The green mass is cut into small pieces and dried in a room with good ventilation. When the raw materials are ready, they are mixed, placed in a canvas or paper bag, and stored in a dry place. You can not cut the parts, but collect the stems with leaves in a bundle and hang them in a dark place.

Conclusion

Lemon verbena is a perennial herbaceous shrub with a pronounced citrus scent. Cultivated on an industrial scale for the perfume industry, essential oils are obtained from the green mass. The plant is suitable for growing in flower pots. The culture has medicinal properties, leaves and stems are used in alternative medicine.