Botanical family: Verbenaceae

Aloysia gratissima, Lippia lycioides, Aloysia lycioides

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Grown in full sun to partial shade, Aloysia gratissima is a large and moderately tolerant shrub native to Mexico and South America. It can grow up to 5-10 feet tall, producing fragrant white or off-white flowers with yellow and orange centers in the spring through fall. Attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, this ethnomedical plant is drought tolerant, low-water use, and tolerant of soils which are poorly drained.

It thrives in USDA Zones 8-11. In cold regions, Aloysia gratissima should be grown in a large enough pot to prevent it from freezing, and the pot should be brought inside during severe weather. Provide shade or mulch when temperatures dip too low, and be sure to water deeply after periods of extreme cold. Use a slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.

Aloysia virgata

Aloysia virgata is very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Native to Mexico and South America, Aloysia virgata (Sweet Almond Bush) is a large shrub that can reach heights of 5-10 feet tall. This plant prefers to be grown in full sun or semi-shade, with a moderate amount of water. Its fragrant, white to off-white flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. It makes a great addition to any garden, with the bonus of a lovely scent.

Aloysia virgata is a fast-growing shrub, requiring very little care for best performance. In order to maintain its appearance and shape, it is important to prune it back periodically. It is also possible to grow it as a potted plant in cold regions, as long as the plant is given careful growing and care instructions.

For successfully growing Aloysia virgata in a pot in cold climates, the container must have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, and should be brought indoors when temperatures reach the mid 30s F. It is important to note that the pot should be large enough to accommodate the rate of growth of the plant. The soil must include compost or mulch for nutrients, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not overly wet. During the winter, the soil needs to also be mulched to help ensure insulation from extreme cold temperatures.

Aloysia virgata is a beautiful and fragrant shrub that can provide near year-round beauty to any home garden. With proper care and maintenance, it can thrive in full sun or partial shade, and in a wide range of climates and soils.

Callicarpa americana

The beautyberries are packed tightly together in clusters that encircle the stem. Variety lactea has white fruits. Spring flowers and beautiful fall fruit make this an attractive landscape plant.

Very adaptable, even to low fertility soils. Very drought tolerant. Requires well drained soil. Propagation: Seeds and semi-hardwood cuttings.

Callicarpa bodinieri

The berries are edible and can be used in jams and jellies.

Callicarpa bodinieri is a large shrub, growing between 5-10 feet tall and wide. It is considered an easy to grow plant, requiring full sun and regular water, as well as occasional pruning of dead branches to maintain a neat shape. This deciduous plant is suitable for USDA Zone 6-10.

Callicarpa bodinieri produces beautiful pink flowers in mid to late summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. In fall, the shrub is covered in clusters of small, purple berries, making it an attractive addition to the garden.

When growing Callicarpa bodinieri in pots, it is important to provide a well-draining potting mix, and to ensure that the plant is not overwatered.

Callicarpa japonica

Callicarpa sp.

Callicarpa sp. (Beautyberry) is a large shrub, usually growing 5-10 feet tall and wide. It is native to temperate and tropical regions, and its adaptability to various environments makes it a popular landscape plant. This deciduous plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped pink flowers in early summer, followed by eye-catching clusters of bright purple berries in the late fall and winter.

For best results, Beautyberry needs full sun or partial shade, and regular to moderate water. Given the right conditions, Beautyberry can offer a richly colored, lush presence to any garden. In cold regions, where this plant is not winter hardy, beautyberry can be grown in a pot and brought indoors during the coldest months.

In terms of temperature, Beautyberry is a surprisingly hardy plant for its size and delicate appearance. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone for Beautyberry is 5-8. Despite its winter hardiness, Beautyberry may require protection from heavy winter rains and winds.

Citharexylum caudatum

Citharexylum caudatum, commonly known as Juniper Berry, is a native to Central America and Mexico. This large shrub or small tree grows to 5-10 ft tall with moderate water requirements and will thrive in semi-shade or full sun. The glossy green foliage creates a great contrast to the fragrant off-white flowers which will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant blooms from spring to late fall, creating an enchanting landscape.

This beautiful plant is easy to care for in USDA Zones 9-11, as they're not very picky about soil conditions. They enjoy regular watering throughout the growing season, but can tolerate times of drought better than times of excess water.

For those that live in cold regions, Citharexylum caudatum can easily be grown in a pot and sheltered indoors during the winter. The pot should be kept in a warm spot, preferably near a window, to ensure the best environment for the Juniper Berry's growth.

Overall, the Citharexylum caudatum is an easy to care for and attractive plant that will enhance any yard or garden. Its fragrant flowers and evergreen foliage creates a delightful landscape and its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds provides a wonderful addition to any outdoor space.

Citharexylum fruticosum

It is a beautiful small tree with long tassels of richly scented white flowers. Flowers are pendant and cover the tree from spring to fall. Foliage is dark green, shiny, ornamental. Easy to grow, nice landscaping tree. Great butterfly and bee attractor.

Citharexylum montevidense

It is a beautiful small tree with long tassels of richly scented white flowers. Flowers are pendant and cover the tree from spring to fall. Foliage is dark green, shiny, ornamental. Frost tender to marginally frost-hardy, they need full sun, a well-drained, humus rich soil and plenty of summer water.

Citharexylum spinosum, Citharexylum quadrangulare, Citharexylum subserratum

This evergreen, medium-sized tree does not have the spines that its scientific name suggests. It is a beautiful small tree with long tassels of richly scented white flowers. Flowers are pendant and cover the tree from spring to fall. Foliage is dark green, shiny, ornamental. Easy to grow, nice landscaping tree. Great butterfly and bee attractor.