English (United Kingdom) 
Russian (Russia) Aloysia
Family. Verbenaceae.
Description. Aloysia is a shrub with shiny green lanceolate leaves with a strong smell and taste of lemon, the arrangement of leaves is whorled in threes or opposite. The flowers are showy, fragrant, white or lilac.
Leaves and flowers are used for culinary purposes (teas, desserts, fruit salads and jams), in perfumes and cosmetics, and for medicinal purposes.
Height. Up to 3 m in nature and 1 - 2 m in culture.
Aloysia - care at home
Temperature conditions
They overwinter in bright, cool places 3 - 10° C, with minimal watering (plants lose leaves indoors). Can withstand about 10°C frost.
Lighting
Direct sun, shade on hot summer days.
Care
Aloysia is a fairly easy plant to care for. Pruning helps maintain the bushiness and compact shape of the plant. In summer the tree can be taken outside.
Substrate
Moist, well-drained fertile soil (sandy and loamy), not demanding on pH.
Feeding
During the growing season, feed 2 times a month.
Purpose
An attractive, fragrant pot plant for the winter garden. The leaves can be used in salads and for making refreshing drinks.
Flowering time
From July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October.
Air humidity
No special requirements.
Soil moisture
During the growth period, watering is plentiful, reducing it in winter just enough to prevent the earthen clod from drying out.
Transfer
Repot in spring, as needed, change the substrate or place young specimens in larger pots. Repot in spring when signs of new growth appear.
Reproduction
Sowing seeds in late spring. Sprinkle the seeds lightly with soil and keep in a bright place, making sure the compost does not dry out. Semi-ripe cuttings that root quickly and easily in August.
Pests and diseases
There are no major insect or disease problems, but aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, nematodes and spider mites may occasionally appear.
Note
Aloysia flower is used in cooking in salads and drinks, as it has a strong lemon aroma. Dried leaves retain their scent for many years and produce a very aromatic tea.
Varieties:
Aloysia triphylla
A shrub with dark green, glossy leaves of an oblong lanceolate shape. The leaf blades are covered with a whole network of branched veins. When damaged, the leaves emit a strong lemony smell. Lilac or white flowers are collected in large inflorescences - brushes.
