Quick facts
| Arabic name | اللويزة |
|---|---|
| English name | Lemon Verbena (Luwaiza) |
| Scientific name | Aloysia citrodora |
| Family | Verbena family (Verbenaceae) |
| Plant type | Aromatic shrub |
| Height | 1 to 2 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to April
Harvest time
April to November
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A shrub with rough narrow leaves in groups of three, and tiny white or pale purple flowers.
Where it grows
Grown in homes and gardens in the highlands, mild areas and some central cities.
Soil
Needs well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Regular, moderate watering.
Climate and light
Loves sun and drops leaves in cold weather.
Propagation
From cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- Leaves make a fresh, calming tea
- Lovely smell in the garden
Drawbacks
- Needs pruning to stay bushy
- Drops leaves in a cold winter
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Aloysia citrodora
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Aloysia citrodora
- Wikipedia: Aloysia citrodora
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)