Sweet Almond Verbena

Scientific name: Aloysia virgata

POWO Status: Shrub

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 57.18″ N, 64° 49′ 44.60″ W

Common Name: Sweet Almond Verbena
Scientific Name: Aloysia virgata (Ruiz & Pav.) Juss.
Family: Verbenaceae

Leaf Type: Simple, lanceolate leaves with a slightly rough texture and prominent veins
Arrangement: Opposite or whorled
Evergreen/Semi-deciduous: Evergreen in tropical climates; semi-deciduous in cooler or dry conditions
Leaf Flush: Continuous throughout the growing season, with new leaves appearing regularly in warm weather
Leaf Drop: Minimal in stable climates, though older leaves are shed intermittently

Flower Type: Small, white, tubular flowers clustered in long terminal spikes
Fragrance: Strong, sweet, almond-vanilla scent—attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Flowering Season: Almost year-round in tropical and subtropical climates; strongest bloom from late spring through fall
Flower Duration: Individual spikes may bloom for several weeks; new spikes emerge continuously

Fruit Type: Tiny, dry nutlets—rarely produced in cultivated settings
Fruiting Season: Infrequent; seed set is uncommon under garden or arboretum conditions
Seed Dispersal: Wind or mechanical fall, though propagation is usually via cuttings

Growth Habit: Upright, woody shrub; can reach 2–5 meters (6–15 feet) in height with a spreading form if unpruned
Pruning: Responds well to pruning; frequent trimming encourages bushiness and repeat flowering
Sun/Soil Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established

Marker	Observation Guidance
First Leaf Flush	Document emergence of fresh green leaves after pruning or stress period
First Flower Spike	Record first visible terminal inflorescence spike
Full Bloom	Multiple spikes flowering across the plant with strong fragrance
Leaf Drop	Monitor and note any leaf yellowing or loss during drought or cool periods
Regrowth After Cutback	Useful for tracking plant response to seasonal pruning