About
Stevia rebaudiana is a tender, bushy perennial often grown as an annual crop with dark green, elliptic to lance-shaped leaves that may be harvested for use as a natural sweetener and loose clusters of tubular white flowers.
About the genus
Stevia is a genus of plants encompassing species that may be herbaceous, shrubby, or woody. They are grown for their ornamental flowers, foliage, or fruit, and vary in hardiness and cultural requirements
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationPrefers a sandy soil in a warm, sunny position; can be treated as a an half-hardy annual and planted outside after all risk of frost has passed
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus disease