Erba Luigia, cultivation of Aloysia citriodora

Luigia grass, with its intense citrus scent, is one of my favorite aromatics. Also known as limoncina, lemon verbena or by the scientific name Aloysia citriodora, this plant is a classic of the countryside, I can remember it very well from my grandparents’ house, where it could never be missing. His Growing Luigia grass is simple and its leaves are widely used in the kitchen. However, the myriad of names it goes by can cause some confusion. In addition to those already mentioned, we also find Luisa grass, Maria Luigia grass (a tribute to the wife of Charles IV of Spain), limonetto, lippia citriodora, Aloisio, piscella grass, lemongrass (not to be confused with Cymbopogon citratus, the exquisite lemongrass) and lemon verbena. The latter name underlines the plant’s belonging to the Verbenaceae family, like verbena bonariensis.

A particularly curious name is perseghina grass. In some areas, such as Bresciano, it is thought that this name derives from the shape of the leaves, which resembles those of the peach tree (in local dialect, «persec»). And speaking of drinks, in Val Sabbia, Bagolino and the surrounding areas you cannot avoid a shot of perseghina, a very famous liqueur made with these leaves.

Luigi grass

A perennial shrub that can reach three meters in height, Aloysia citriodora presents deciduous leaves (so it will shed in winter), lanceolate and light green in colour. About five to seven centimeters long, they give off a intense citrus scentsimilar to that of Melissa. There flowering occurs at the end of summerwith the production of small spike inflorescences, composed of white or pale lilac flowers.

In this regard, I advise you to always trim the plant a little when it goes to flower, in this way it will remain more beautiful.

Cultivation of Aloysia citriodora

Luigia grass, despite being rustic, has some specific needs. Here’s how to guarantee luxuriant growth 😉

Erba Luigia exhibition

Luigia loves grass full sun positionshowever, it is possible to opt for a slightly more filtered light during the hottest weeks of the year.

Ideal temperatures for Luigia grass

Lippia citriodora is a resistant plant that resists different climatic conditions. In open ground, it can also withstand less mild winters (like those of northern Italy), albeit losing its leaves. It adapts well to both cultivation in open ground and in pots. This last option is particularly suitable in areas with very cold winters, as the Luigia grass in pots can be protected from frost more easily. In any case, a winter mulch will protect the roots.

Soak the citriodora lippi

Lemon verbena appreciates a constantly moist soilespecially during the hottest periods. It is important to water it regularly, but avoid creating water stagnation which could cause the roots to rot. Without sufficient water the plant will begin to show signs of stress (e.g. lowering of the stems), in this case it is advisable to intervene immediately.

When and how to prune lemon verbena

As I mentioned before, I advise you to cut the Verbena as soon as the first blooms appear, also trying to keep the vegetation rather compact. It resists and responds very well to heavy pruning.

Propagate Aloysia citriodora

Propagating Luigia herb by cuttings is a simple process and fun. The semi-woody twigs, with at least two nodes, taken directly from the mother plant, are ideal for obtaining new specimens. After making an oblique cut under a node, the cutting can be placed in water (especially when temperatures are quite high, around 20/25°C) or directly in a light, well-drained substrate. High humidity around the new plant would be ideal, to obtain this you can cover the cutting with a cut plastic bottle, thus recreating a sort of «do-it-yourself greenhouse».

Parasites on the grass

A bit like mint, rosemary and sage, I’ve seen it sensitive to attacks from whiteflies, leafhoppers and sage, in short, are there any specks on your lemon verbena? It’s probably one of them’s fault. To deal with these insects I recommend our trusty defense kit.

Lemongrass in the kitchen

Help from Aloysia quotorado, from delicious lemon scentthey are really a great help in the kitchen. Both fresh and dried, they can be used to flavor infusions, liqueurs, oils, vinegars, jams, fruit salads, jellies and even ice creams. In reality, the versatility of this plant is very wide, in fact it can also be used to give more flavor to game, chicken and even fish. However, it is important do not use the Luigia herb in excessive doses.

Furthermore, if you particularly love its scent you can use the essential oil to make a fantastic soap or a potpourri to also flavor drawers and wardrobes 😉