Botanical profile

Lippia dulcis

Latin name
Phyla dulcis
Common name
Sweet lippia
Type
Creeping tropical aromatic plant
Family
Verbenaceae

Lippia dulcis is a very unique tropical aromatic plant, appreciated for its fragrant green foliage and naturally sweet flavor with a slightly camphoraceous note. Also known as Aztec sweet herb, it is sought after in herb gardens, container vegetable gardens, and collections of less common aromatic plants. Its creeping to trailing habit makes it an excellent plant for pots, planters, hanging baskets, and edible troughs, where it provides texture, fragrance, and botanical curiosity.

Easy to grow during the warm season, Lippia dulcis prefers a bright location, in soft sun or partial shade, in fertile, fresh, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular humidity, especially in containers, but stagnant water should be avoided. As it is not hardy in our climate, it is generally grown as an annual or brought indoors before the cold, in a very bright spot. Light pruning helps maintain a denser plant and stimulates the production of new aromatic shoots.

Its leaves can be used sparingly to flavor infusions, cold drinks, desserts, fruit salads, and aromatic preparations. Their sweet and distinctive taste makes it an interesting plant for lovers of rare herbs, but its powerful aroma requires delicate dosing. Lippia dulcis is an excellent choice for adding an exotic, gourmet, and decorative touch to an herb garden, balcony, or outdoor kitchen area.

Care guide

Care level
Moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Sweet aromatic foliage with a scent of mint and camphor
Container, hanging, balcony, greenhouse, herb garden, herbal tea
Container growing
Excellent for container growing and recommended for cold climates
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to maintain a compact shape; harvest leaves as needed; bring indoors before cold weather
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil slightly moist without overwatering
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers cool but well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilization in pots during growth
Soil type
Fertile, light, cool, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Stem cuttings or seedlings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Rare in cultivation
Flower color
White
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Persistent in hot climates
Shape
Trailing to cascading habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Mint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, stevia
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Spring to Autumn Leaves
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.