Sweet Almond Tree Verbena
Aloysia virgata
Verbenaceae
Growth habit
Shrub
Perennation
Cultivated as annual
Native distribution
Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru
Source of plant
Logee's Greenhouse
Description
In NC it dies to the ground in winter and behaves as a 8' tall perennial, where in more southerly climates it makes a large open shrub to 15'. The upright woody stems are clothed with dark green sandpapery leaves. Starting in July and continuing until a hard frost, the branches end in terminal spikes of extremely fragrant white flowers that serve as an attractant for butterflies and other insects. The intoxicating fragrance of vanilla & almonds is strongest in late afternoon and evening.
USDA Hardiness Zone
7B
Special characteristics
fragrance, tender perennial