Aloysia Planting & Growing Guide

Where to Plant Aloysia

Aloysia favors spots with full sun and well-drained, consistently moist soil and is an excellent addition to mixed borders. However, they do not like to be too wet in the winter months. In warmer climates, they are evergreen shrubs, and in cooler regions, they are herbaceous perennials that die back in the winter, but you can also savor the flavor and beauty by growing indoors.

When to Plant Aloysia

In zones 8–11, where they are winter hardy, Aloysia should be planted in the spring after the last frost with other warm-weather lovers. Containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months are a fantastic option for those gardening in colder climates.

How to Plant Aloysia

• For outdoor landscape planting, site your Aloysia where it will receive plenty of sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball of the plant and twice as wide. Set the Aloysia in place and fill in with soil.
• For container planting, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter to give roots room to spread. Fill with a premium potting mix and plant the Aloysia, making sure not to bury it deeper than it was in its growing container. Fill in around the roots with more potting soil.
• Water thoroughly, keeping the plant moist but not wet.

How to Grow Aloysia

• Keep Aloysia moist without overwatering while the foliage is green.
• Cut plants back in early spring, if foliage exists, to encourage compact, bushier growth.
• Mulch in the fall to protect the roots, or in heavy frost areas, bring inside during winter dormancy when temperatures drop below 40 F.

Aloysia Tips & Tricks

• Amend the soil with leaf mold or composted manure to encourage a healthy start.
• Expect cold weather to trigger the leaves to drop and the plant to slip into dormancy.
• Avoid overwatering dormant Aloysia plants, whether growing in beds or pots.
• Repot Aloysia plants in the spring before new growth begins.
• Resume normal watering when new growth starts to show.