Abyssinian Lippia Plant Care

Abyssinian Lippia (Lippia abyssinica) belongs to the Verbenaceae family within the Lippia genus. Abyssinian Lippia is native to Ethiopia.

Abyssinian Lippia displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Abyssinian Lippia produces small clusters of white or lavender flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Abyssinian Lippia every 7–14 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.

Abyssinian Lippia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lippia abyssinica tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Abyssinian Lippia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Abyssinian Lippia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Abyssinian Lippia every month 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Abyssinian Lippia is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

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.

Abyssinian Lippia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Abyssinian Lippia 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.

Abyssinian Lippia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Abyssinian Lippia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Abyssinian Lippia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.

Abyssinian Lippia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Abyssinian Lippia is native to Ethiopia. In cooler regions, grow Abyssinian Lippia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.