Aloysia virgata aka Acerillo

Aloysia virgata is a shrub or small tree from South America. It belongs to the verbena family, Verbenaceae. Gardeners call it sweet almond bush or sweet almond verbena. Its native range runs from Peru to Brazil and northern Argentina. It grows in open ground and areas of regrowing forest. These sites have soil that drains well. Its slim branches rise upright, then arch outward.

Garden size varies with climate and pruning. North Carolina State lists heights of 5–15 feet [1.5–4.6 metres]. It gives widths of 3–8 feet [0.9–2.4 metres]. The RHS lists a smaller height and spread, near 5 feet [1.5 metres]. Tropical accounts describe trees reaching 20 feet [6 metres]. Growth is fast, and the crown stays light and open. Green leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. They are simple, slightly shiny, and have toothed edges. Their shape ranges from oval to wider near the tip. The plant sheds its leaves but may retain them without frost.

Small white flowers grow in spikes at the shoot tips. They bloom on fresh growth, from July until frost. The RHS describes the season as summer through autumn. Their strong, sweet scent recalls almonds. Bees visit the flowers and pollinate them. Butterflies and hummingbirds also visit the blooms. Pruning helps control size and encourages more flowering shoots. Removing spent blooms can extend the flower display. Spring pruning helps keep the shrub dense.

Grow this plant in full sun with good soil drainage. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. It also tolerates acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil. Sources describe suitable moisture as dry to moist. Established plants can withstand drought, but wet soil can rot roots. Sources place it in USDA zones 8–11; the RHS rates it H4. In zones 8–9, winter cold can kill the top growth. Roots can send up new shoots in spring. In colder places, grow it in pots with winter protection.

Use it in sunny borders, containers, or as a specimen. Its flowers suit pollinator gardens and planting near paths. People also grow it as a hedge or for woodland restoration. Dried leaves serve in sachets and potpourri. Rough leaves can smooth wood or gourds like fine sandpaper. The hard wood serves for handles and small turned items. Outdoor plants have few reported pest or disease problems. Indoors, aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites can cause trouble. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food or medicinal uses. It reports no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety.