Aztec sweet herb
Lippia dulcis · Verbenaceae
📷 Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Aztec sweet herb is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Family
- Verbenaceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Persistent, aromatic
- Flowering
- July to September, white-violet flowers
- Mature height
- Approximately 60 cm
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Moderate, frost-sensitive in cold regions
- Origin
- Mexico and Central America
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Grow Lippia dulcis like an herb: regular leaf harvesting makes it bushier. Water moderately but consistently, especially in summer.
The common mistake
In the cold or a cold greenhouse, it struggles and flowers poorly; overwinter it in a bright, warm spot.
The pro's trick
Take cuttings in autumn and overwinter them indoors in bright light: by spring, you'll have a well-formed plant ready to plant outside.
Care
Exposure and light
Lippia dulcis thrives in full sun for optimal growth and better aromatic leaf production. A minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct daily sunlight is recommended. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can prevent excessive drying.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, without saturation. Water as soon as the soil surface becomes dry. During the active growing period (spring-summer), watering needs increase. Reduce watering in winter. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Soil and drainage
Prepare a rich, well-draining mix: quality potting soil, light and well-structured. Lippia prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. Adding organic matter at planting time promotes rooting and plant vigor.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing period (April to September). A diluted liquid fertilizer or slow-release granules work well. Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young stems regularly to encourage dense, compact branching. Lightly prune in late winter to rejuvenate the plant and remove damaged parts. Harvest leaves progressively as needed, which stimulates continued production.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and whiteflies in dry or hot conditions. Excess moisture can promote fungal diseases; ensure good air circulation. Watering at the base and adequate ventilation limit risks.
Did you know?
Lippia dulcis, also called 'sweet leaf' or 'Mexican stevia,' has been used for centuries by pre-Columbian peoples to sweeten beverages and dishes. Its leaves contain natural compounds with a sweet taste without adding calories, making it a cherished ancestral alternative for plant enthusiasts and ethnobotanical garden lovers.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.