Aloysia virgata (Sweet Almond Bush)


Michael's Opinion

The sweet almond bush is a great plant to put in house gardens, as it is perennial and fragrant of sweet almonds. The bush also attracts a lot of pollinators, making it a very attractive option for garden growth. They have beautiful white flowers that complement most gardens and backyards.

Botanical Information

FamilyVerbenaceae
GenusAloysia
Speciesvirgata
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginNative to South America.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Leaf juices may be used to help with skin diseases. The leaves can also be used to treat diabetes. They contain laetrile, or vitamin B17. It is a poisonous compound, but in small doses it can help with digestion.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8a - 11b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8a - greater than 9a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-9.4) - (-6.7)
Temperature (°F)10 - 15
Height1.5 - 4.5 m
Spread1 - 2.5 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune, July

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionDeciduous, glossy green shrub that blooms beautiful white flowers in early summer that are fragrant of sweet almonds.
ID CharacteristicIt has medium sized green glossy leaves that have serrated edges, there are clusters of small fragrant bell-shaped white flowers at the ends of new growth. It is fast growing.
ShapeThe plant is upright and larger plants can have an arching form.
LandscapeThe beautiful glossy green leaves are covered in small white fragrant flowers from mid-summer to the first frost. The flowers smell strongly of sweet almonds with a fruity undertone. These smells consume the garden, making it very attractive for urban gardening. The flowers also attract many bees and other pollinators, making them even more attractive to have in a garden. They are primarily used for bordering, containers, and rock gardens.
PropagationPropagated by seed and cuttings. Seeds take 3 to 4 weeks to germinate. Cuttings should be rooted in spring or early summer. Cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to capture moisture.
CultivationThe plant needs to be in full and direct sunlight with dry to medium wet well-draining soil. It tolerates any soil pH but grows best in fertile soil. It is also very drought tolerant as well as moderately salt tolerant. Should be grown after the risk of frost has expired. It must be pruned, but only after it has flowers as the blooms grow on new growth.
PestsThis plant has no serious pests, but if brought inside for the winter white flies may become an issue.
HabitatThe sweet almond bush requires well-draining soil, so they are most commonly found at the edge of forests and in open woodlands.
Bark/Stem DescriptionMulti stemmed and has hairs on each stem. As the plant ages the hairs disappear.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionLittle to no information is found on the internet about the flower buds.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are dark to mid green, glossy, and are simple ovate toothed leaves. 4 inch long by 2 inch wide.
Flower DescriptionThe inch-long flowers are white and bell-shaped with 4-lobes.
Fruit DescriptionDry tan-brown round capsules.
Colour DescriptionGlossy green with white flowers.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs