Southwest Plant of the Month – White Beebrush – Aloysia gratissima (Lippia gratissima)

Jul 4, 2022 | Plant of the Month

General Information

Plant Form Shrub Plant Size 8′ x 5′
Plant Type Deciduous Water Usage Low
Sunlight Sun, Partial Shade Flowers White

Physical Description:  Small white flowers clustered in 3″ spikes impart a very fragrant vanilla-like aroma, spring and fall and attracts bees.

Care and Maintenance:  Sparse, twiggy appearance without supplemental moisture. Occasional severe cut back will stimulate new growth and flowering.

Gardener’s Notes:  Slender, intricately branched shrub with small elliptical leaves providing light shade. Native to Chihuahuan desert. Near relative in El Paso, A. wrightii or Oreganillo, is more compact (to 4′) and has small oval, aromatic leaves used for herbal purposes

Plant information from Southwest Yard & Garden Plant Advisor.