Aloysia gratissima, Lippia lycioides, Aloysia lycioides

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 9-11. 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. Mature plants are cold hardy at least to temperatures in the 30s Fahrenheit, but even brief cold snaps can cause damage to the plant. 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.

Similar plants:

• Lippia citriodora, Aloysia citriodora, Verbena citriodora, Verbena triphylla (Lemon-scented verbena, lemon Luisa)
• Aloysia virgata (Sweet Almond Bush, Incense Bush)
• Lippia turbinata (Poleo)
• Phyla dulcis, Lippia dulcis, Phyla scaberrima, Lippia mexicana (Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf)
• Phyla nodiflora, Lippia nodiflora (Turkey Tangle Frogfruit)