Pruning Lemon Verbena for Health and Shape

Overview

Lemon verbena is more than ornamental—its leaves make delicious tea, aromatic oils, and potpourri. Fast-growing and virtually pest-free, it's winter hardy to USDA Zone 8 (with heavy mulch and occasional water, it returns in spring). Judicious pruning throughout the growing season encourages a compact, productive shrub.

Step 1: Spring Hard Pruning

In mid-spring, use clean, sharp shears. Remove dead or damaged wood. Cut main limbs back to 12–14 inches above ground to promote a neat, compact habit.

Step 2: Summer Harvest Pruning

Begin harvesting leaves and stems early summer. Trim young growth back up to 12 inches at a time with scissors—the more you trim, the fuller the shrub becomes.

Step 3: Remove Damaged Wood Anytime

Cut out dead or damaged limbs whenever noticed during the growing season.

Step 4: Shape as Needed

Trim any stems that give the plant a shaggy appearance, whenever it looks unkempt.

Step 5: Fall Cutback

In early fall, prune the entire plant back by one-third. Cut new growth completely back to older wood.