Lemon Tea Plants

Lemon Verbena

• Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) is a tender perennial that grows to about 3 feet tall, although it's only likely to reach this height within its USDA hardiness zones of 8 through 10. In most areas, it's grown as an annual. Lemon verbena produces a delicate cluster of white flowers. The leaves are long, shiny and narrow, and produce a crisp citrus fragrance. While leaves can be harvested for tea or cooking during the whole growing season, the flavor is more intense just before the plant flowers. When harvesting, do not remove more than a third of the leaves. This herb is best when used fresh.

Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, is a member of the mint family and grows to about 3 feet tall. It bears quilted leaves with serrated edges, and produces spikes of white flowers that attract bees. Leaves can be harvested at any time, but have the most intense flavor if picked just before flowering. It reseeds prolifically, so after flowering, cut off all flowers to avoid excessive plant germination. Leaves can be used fresh or dry to make both hot and iced teas.

Lemongrass

• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11, is a tender perennial often used in Asian cooking. It is nearly indistinguishable from other tall, clumping grasses and could easily be mistaken for a weed. It can reach 6 feet in height and bears light green, ribbon-like leaves that emit a fresh lemon scent. Harvest leaves throughout the growing season, but don't remove more than a third of the plant at any one time. While leaves are used to make tea, the leaves along with the base of the plant are used in cooking. The leaves are best used fresh, but can also be dried for later use. Leaf edges are sharp, so lemongrass should not be planted near walkways or in areas where people will brush by the leaf blades.

Lemon Catmint

• Lemon catmint (Nepeta cataria subsp. citriodora), also known as catnip, is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, and pleases both humans and cats. Cats are attracted to the aroma and will frequently behave comically after ingesting or smelling this herb, but some aren't as attracted to the lemon scented version as to the straight species. For humans, the herb is a refreshing source of lemon scented teas or greens for salads. Fresh, bright green leaves have a more intense flavor if harvested just before blooming. Catmint can get leggy and sprawl through the garden, so keep it pruned to get a trim plant that will produce greater quantities of leaves. Both fresh and dry leaves can be used for teas -- or to entertain your cat.