Lippia Alba (Bushy Matgrass / Sweet Herb) in 4-Inch and 6-Inch Pots Available in Jupiter, FL
Lippia Alba (Lippia alba) is a fragrant, fast-growing medicinal herb treasured throughout Central and South America for its calming, citrusy aroma and powerful herbal benefits. With soft green leaves that release a sweet lemon-lime scent when brushed, this versatile plant is commonly used for herbal teas, relaxation blends, and natural remedies.
Thriving in South Florida’s warm climate, Lippia Alba grows quickly into a lush, bushy shrub that attracts pollinators while offering abundant harvests for the home herbalist. Choose a 4-inch starter for transplanting into beds or a 6-inch plant for a more established head start.
A beautiful addition to wellness gardens, tea gardens, and edible landscapes.
Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):
Sunlight: Full sun to partial sun—at least 6 hours daily for strongest aroma and essential oil development.
Watering: Moderate. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Once established, it is somewhat drought tolerant but thrives with consistent moisture.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil enriched with compost. Performs very well in South Florida’s native soils when organic matter is incorporated.
Fertilizer: Light feeder. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during active growth. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding, which can reduce essential oil concentration.
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, sprawling to upright shrub. Can reach 3–6 feet tall and wide in South Florida if left unpruned.
Temperature: USDA Zones 9–11. Loves heat and humidity. May slow during cooler weather but rebounds quickly in warmth.
Maintenance: Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Excellent for hedging or informal borders. Good airflow helps prevent mildew in rainy season.
Harvest & Seasonality:
Planting Time: Can be planted nearly year-round in South Florida.
Harvest Time: Continuous harvest once established.
How to Harvest: Harvest leaves in the morning for strongest aroma and medicinal potency. Use fresh or dry for tea and herbal preparations.
Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:
Lippia Alba is traditionally used as a calming, digestive-supporting herb. It contains aromatic compounds that may support relaxation, respiratory health, and healthy sleep cycles. Often enjoyed as a soothing evening tea, it is considered a gentle herbal ally for stress support.
Ideal For:
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Herbal tea gardens
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Pollinator-friendly landscapes
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Relaxation and wellness gardens
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Edible borders and informal hedges
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Container or in-ground planting
Plant Classification:
Scientific Name: Lippia alba
Common Name: Lippia Alba, Bushy Matgrass, Sweet Herb, Juanilama (regional name)
Plant Type: Tropical medicinal herb
Family: Verbenaceae (verbena family)
Class: Dicot – Broadleaf
Growth Form: Upright to spreading shrub
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen in South Florida
Perennial or Annual: Perennial—returns and grows year after year in Zones 9–11
Container Size: 4-inch or 6-inch pot
