Properties lemon verbena
Lemon verbena – Verbena family (Verbenaceae) is a native of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Peru. At home, it reaches up to 3 meters in height, and the culture is typically less than 80 cm. Was brought to Europe in the 17th century and then began to grow in the Mediterranean.
Perennial herb with narrow-lanceolate leaves, forms small shrubs up to 130 cm high. Blooms, mauve flowers. The flowers are small, gathered in loose inflorescences, built in the shoot tips. This plant has a very pleasant lemon scent, which is caused by vegetable oils contained therein.
Additional information!Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) has some decorative qualities, but its main advantage is its intense flavor and medicinal properties.
How to grow lemon verbena?
Very easy to grow. In the warmer regions of Europe three-sheeted allose may experience a mild winter in the garden, but it does not hibernate in our environment, therefore it is grown as a portable plant in a pot or other container, which can be left on all the summer in the garden, on the balcony or terrace.
In a large pot or in the ground lemon verbena image of a beautiful shrub. The base of the bush are highly branched. Good looks verbena in compositions with ornamental annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses. It gives them a certain originality.
In winter, the plant must be transferred in a flat or in a bright cool room where the temperature does not fall below 10 ° C. At a temperature of 5 ° C, with limited curtain may fall off leaves and verbena subjected rest.
It is recommended to grow in quiet places, protected from strong winds and drafts. An ideal place – a sunny or partial shade space. Optimal for the growth of plants is a large amount of scattered light, avoid shaded places on the site. Sun activates the synthesis of aromatic substances. I am very sensitive to frost.
Note!Due to the pleasant scent of lemon verbena should grow next to the house under the windows, and often used the recreation area. The plant has an additional advantage – it repels insects
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soil
Lemon verbena grows relatively quickly grown to annual or perennial cycle. It prefers fertile, loamy sand, moderately moist soil. Put a plant in the substrate for potted plants or other permeable soils that are rich in nutrients.
The basic procedure for growing care lemon verbena is regular watering. The root ball does not dry out. Under such conditions, the plant dries quickly.
During the growing season fertilize once every 14 days with natural fertilizer.
pinching shoots.The plant can be cut more generously to keep him attractive shape. Pruning of shoots held in February to align the bundle of stems and avoid thinning of the base. Also tops of stems in the summer can be removed to prevent color development that occurs through the foliage.
Landing and reproduction
Potted plants should be transplanted every two years. Planting and transplanting should be done in the spring. Verbena lemon multiplies by sowing seeds, dividing the bush (spring) or stem cuttings netsvetuschie (August-September).
Note!In our climate, lemon verbena seed does not.
For cultivation can be bought ready-made, fully formed lemon verbena cuttings or seeds. Grow from seeds of the plant takes a long time, but brings more fun. Sowing is recommended in February and March. Seeds are sown in a container located in the room. Before this they need to be soaked in water for about 12 hours. They should have good access to light, grow faster in a warm place.
When the seedlings will be 3-4 leaves, it is recommended to dive. Young plants are growing too close to each other weak, elongated and is developing much more slowly. They are fighting not only for space, water and nutrients contained in the substrate, but, above all, for the sun’s rays.
A few weeks should cut them to stimulate tillering. A permanent place in the garden in the ground plant can be planted only in the second half of May.
Propagation by cuttings
Slice upper shanks length of about 15 cm and the lower leaves are removed. Leave only about 6 leaves on the handle. Prepared cuttings root in water, and then transplanted into a mixture of perlite, sand and peat.
The healing properties
Trifoliate allose has a general relaxing and calming effect, is a source of minerals, tannins, flavonoids and fiber. This plant has a positive effect on the human immune system protects and promotes cell regeneration, also acts as an antioxidant. Affects certain fungi such as Candida Albicans, can also be recommended against parasites. 
Useful properties of lemon verbena tea
Lemon verbena – excellent herb used in aromatherapy. She has a wonderful aroma and provides the healing effects to our bodies. It improves mood and helps to find peace and relaxation. It also contains tannins and flavonoids, making tea from its leaves has beneficial effects on health.
When digestive problems, stomach cramps or bloating, you can take a cup of tea with vervain.
You can use plants for acute and chronic respiratory diseases. It relieves congestion in the nasal mucosa, as well as the effect on the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. Verbena is also useful for painful menstruation. Do not take it during pregnancy, as this contributes to the reduction of the uterus.
It helps with headache, dental pain. For external use is the assistant to the skin. Effectively disinfects skin wounds and speeds up the healing process.
The essential oil is used to produce liquors, perfumes, eau de toilette, deodorants and massage oils. Essential oils soothe stomach cramps.
Aromatic leaves are used for the preparation of beverages, salads, fruit cups, dressings, sauces, vegetables and meat.
flowering, leaf collection
Lemon verbena blossoms in the summer, even in early autumn: it gives a small white or pale violet flowers. Leaves were collected for drying after flowering.
The leaves are harvested and dried for tea, which is not only good for health but also has a delicious taste and a very pleasant aroma of lemon.
Raw materials intended for drying harvested twice, in June, when the leaves are green ash and have a light aroma, and again in September, when the leaves have a distinct smell. You can collect them when you need to use fresh herbal tea or in the kitchen.
The greens can be harvested at any time, but preferably in the morning. Dried in a dry and dark place. When the raw material is completely dried, it is placed away from light and moisture, in a waterproof box.
Diseases and pests
The plant has almost no disease. To parasites and diseases that can affect Aloisi include whitefly, aphids and red spider.
Do not underestimate the lemon verbena. Placing it near the house, you can enjoy its aroma.
Where in Leinster can I buy Aloysius,( Lemon Verbena)