Lemon verbena is propagated in the same way as other woody herbs like rosemary and lavender—by taking semi-ripe cuttings in the summer.
- With a sterile and sharp cutting tool, snip a four- to six-inch flower-free stem above a leaf node.
- Insert the cutting one inch deep into a moist, sterile potting mix.
Can lemon verbena be propagated in water?
In other words, you can propagate the plant or grow it fresh from the seeds. The cuttings of lemon verbena plants can be placed in a jar of water while you wait for new roots to form. Once they form, wait a few weeks for a good root structure to develop before planting into soil.
Will verbena cuttings root in water?
Rooting Cuttings in Water
The simplest way to propagate verbena may be to root the plants in water. The Gardeners’ World website recommends that you cut off stems just above a node, which is a lumpy spot in the stem where a leaf will sprout.
Can you start a verbena from a cutting?
Verbena plants can also be propagated successfully from cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring, when they are most likely to root. Summer cuttings are tougher and more likely to survive, but they root much more slowly.
How long do verbena cuttings take to root?
Place in a warm bright position, but protect from scorching sunshine. After six weeks, check for signs of white roots growing through the drainage holes in the base of the pot.
How long does lemon verbena take to root?
After a few weeks, begin to gently tug on the plant to see if roots have developed. Once you feel resistance, take off the plastic bag and continue growing the plant indoors for two more weeks.
How do you take cuttings from verbena?
Taking cuttings is simple. Choose a non-flowering shoot; often the best are side shoots that are 5-10cm long. Snip them off with secateurs or sharp scissors just below a set of leaves. Remove this lower set of leaves and insert the cutting into gritty compost around the edge of a pot.
Is verbena easy to root?
Verbenas can be stored in a cooler down to 38 degrees F (5 degrees C) for up to 24 hours. Unrooted cuttings typically take about three to three and a half weeks to root in a 105-sized plug. These are fast rooters and are generally very easy to root.
What do you do with verbena in the winter?
Garden care: In cold conditions Verbena bonariensis can suffer dieback if cut back in autumn, so it’s best to leave the plant until spring and cut back the old growth when you see the new shoots emerging at the base.
How do you overwinter lemon verbena?
Maintenance: Lemon verbena is a tender perennial, hardy to about 22°F. Overwinter inside in a dark, cool basement or garage that doesn’t get above 55°F, or in a well-protected area outside, such as a shed, covered porch, or cold frame. Wait until the leaves have fallen from the plant to move indoors.
Does verbena reseed itself?
Verbena bonariensis can reseed prolifically. Outdoors, don’t disturb the soil too much in spring if you want the volunteer seedlings. Seedlings take a while to germinate, especially in our colder climate (they may not appear until as late as June).
Can you split a verbena?
Divide Verbena bonariensis in early spring in the areas where it is a perennial. Water the plant the day before so that the soil is moist. Place the cuttings outside in a shady location. When you feel some resistance when gently pulling on the stem, the plants have rooted.
Does verbena grow back every year?
Yes, all verbenas are perennial, but some are grown as annuals as they are not hardy in our climate and are so easy to propagate from cuttings or seed.
Can you transplant lemon verbena?
Lemon Verbena transplants can be found at quality garden centers in the spring. Here’s how to grow at home: Plant your lemon verbena transplant into a pot that is just slightly larger than the transplant root ball, and fill pot with quality potting soil.
Can you keep verbena overwinter?
Verbena. Trailing verbenas are nearly all tender perennials so can be successfully overwintered as plants. Get plants through the winter by keeping them somewhere the temperature doesn’t fall below 5°C.
Should verbena be deadheaded?
Deadheading Verbena or removing spent flowers maintains a clean appearance and allows the plant to refocus its energy into even more flowers. Leave any dead growth to protect the plant during the winter and trim it back in the spring.
Can you root lemon verbena from a cutting?
Lemon verbena cuttings dry out very quickly, so put them in a plastic bag as you go. Dib a hole in a container of well-drained compost (extra grit is a must) and insert the cutting near the edge of the pot. Water well from above to settle the cuttings, and cover with a propagator lid or plastic bag.
Does lemon verbena grow back every year?
A perennial herb in zones 9 and 10, lemon verbena can be grown as an annual in northern climates. It forms a shrubby plant that benefits from regular pruning to keep it from getting leggy. Fortunately, regular trimming also gives you plenty of citrusy leaves for use in beverages and dishes.
Does lemon verbena survive winter?
Rosemary, lemon verbena, and a few other perennial herbs are not reliably winter hardy. Extra winter protection can be provided by cutting plants back to within a couple inches of the ground after the first hard frost and covering the remaining stub with soil.
What is lemon verbena used for?
This lemon-scented herb has a number of culinary uses ranging from rich roasts to sweet citrusy desserts and jams. Lemon verbena can be used to make flavorful olive oil-based salad dressings, subtle lemon ice cream, and lemon verbena jelly, as well as season poultry dishes, salsa verde, and soups.
Do I need a propagator for cuttings?
A cuttings propagator helps keep your cutting healthy, to get them off to a much better start.