Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis Plant Care

Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis (Aloysia fiebrigii) belongs to the Verbenaceae family within the Aloysia genus. Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis is native to high elevation in the Andes of Bolivia.

Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis produces fragrant clusters of small white or pale lavender flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Aloysia fiebrigii tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to catamarca verbena plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis is native to high elevation in the Andes of Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Aloysia citriodora var. algeriensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.