Overview
Lippia alba is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Lippia, part of the Verbenaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lippia alba grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Lippia alba is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family, Verbenaceae, that is native to southern Texas in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
About the genus
Lippia is a genus of flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. It was named after Augustin Lippi (1678–1705), a French-Italian naturalist and botanist. The genus contains roughly 200 species of tropical shrubs that are found around the world.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lippia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lippia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lippia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Lippia alba size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lippia alba
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lippia alba?
Lippia alba prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lippia alba need?
Lippia alba grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Lippia alba hardy in the UK?
Lippia alba has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Lippia alba?
Softwood cuttings.
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