Lemon Beebrush (Aloysia citrodora)

How much light does a Lemon Beebrush need?

Lemon beebrush prefers full sun, and full sun is the only outdoor light level listed for it. NC State pairs that preference with well-drained, moist soil. Give it an open spot that receives full sun rather than shade. Clemson Cooperative Extension also describes the plant as preferring moist soil and full sun.

• Light: Full sun^1,2

How often to water a Lemon Beebrush

Expect medium water needs from this shrub, with no lower or higher range recorded. Clemson Cooperative Extension says it prefers moist soil. NC State describes moist soil that is also well drained. Wisconsin Extension names moist, well-drained soil as what the plant needs to thrive.

• Water: Medium^1,2

Best soil for a Lemon Beebrush

Soil for lemon beebrush should be well drained and moist. NC State describes well-drained, moist, fertile, light soils. Wisconsin Extension says the plant needs moist, well-drained soil to thrive, along with full sun in a cooler climate. Pair that soil with full sun, the light it prefers outdoors. Clemson Cooperative Extension also names moist soil alongside full sun. Medium is the water level listed for this shrub. No cited source records a preferred soil pH, so that value is not documented here.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist^1,3

Hardiness and temperature

Lemon beebrush is rated for USDA hardiness zones 8a through 10b, as listed by NC State Extension. Wisconsin Extension describes it as a tender deciduous woody shrub native to South and Central America, with the same zones 8a to 10b. Zone 8a is the coldest zone in that range, and zone 10b is the warmest.

• Hardiness: Zones 8a–10b^1,3

Pruning a Lemon Beebrush

Light shaping in early spring is the pruning listed for this shrub. NC State says that pruning the branches in early spring encourages a bushier form. Pruning applies to a deciduous woody shrub that grows 5.9–7.9 ft (1.8–2.4 m) tall and wide in the ground.

• Pruning: Light shaping (Mar)¹

How to plant a Lemon Beebrush

Plant lemon beebrush outdoors in USDA zones 8a to 10b. Give it full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Leave room for a mature size of 5.9–7.9 ft (1.8–2.4 m) in height and spread when it grows in the ground. In a pot it stays smaller, at 2 to 4 ft (0.6–1.2 m) tall and wide. Its US status is introduced in the lower 48 states and in Puerto Rico.

• Hardiness: Zones 8a–10b^1,3

Winter care

In USDA zones 8a through 10b, lemon beebrush is a tender deciduous shrub, as Wisconsin Extension describes it. Zone 8a is the coldest zone in its recorded range. Zones colder than 8a fall outside that range. Light shaping in early spring is the only pruning recorded for it.

• Hardiness: Zones 8a–10b^1,3

How to propagate a Lemon Beebrush

Stem cuttings are the propagation method listed for lemon beebrush. NC State calls stem cuttings the best way to propagate it. The same source says seed set is variable in North America. The plant is recorded as a shrub, and stem cuttings are the only method on file.

• Propagation: Stem cuttings¹

Common problems

NC State lists four pests as occasional problems for lemon beebrush: aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and spider mites. Each of the four is described as an occasional problem rather than a constant one. These pests are recorded on a shrub that grows in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

• Common pests: aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and spider mites¹

Questions and answers

Is lemon beebrush toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists lemon beebrush as toxic to cats and toxic to dogs. NC State Extension also flags it as a problem for both cats and dogs.

How much sun does lemon beebrush need?

It prefers full sun. NC State pairs that with well-drained, moist, fertile, light soil. Clemson Cooperative Extension also describes it as liking moist soil and full sun.

How do you propagate lemon beebrush?

NC State says the best propagation is by stem cuttings. Seed set is variable in North America, according to the same source. Stem cuttings are the only propagation method recorded for this shrub.