Aloysia virgata
 
Common Names Sweet Almond Bush, Sweet Almond Verbena, White Almond Bush
 
Zones 8B–11 (outdoors); Zone 7B with winter dieback or container overwintering
 
Aloysia virgata is a fast-growing, upright shrub native to northern Argentina, prized for its intensely fragrant white flower spikes that bloom from midsummer to frost. The scent—often described as a blend of almond and vanilla—is strongest in the evening, making it a favorite near patios and walkways. Its nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, making it a pollinator powerhouse in warm-climate gardens.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright to arching; woody stems; vigorous growth
Height: 6–15 ft. depending on climate and pruning
Trunk: Multi-stemmed; smooth bark; can be trained as a small tree
Leaves: Opposite; lanceolate to elliptic; dark green; slightly glossy; sandpapery texture
Inflorescence: Terminal spikes of tiny white flowers; up to 8 in. long; fragrant
Flowering Season: July to frost; continuous with deadheading
Ecology: Rich nectar source; attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees; deer-resistant
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day)
Watering: Medium; prefers well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Fertile, medium to dry; loamy or sandy; avoid soggy conditions
Temperature: 50–95°F (10–35°C); frost-sensitive; dies back in Zone 7B
Humidity: Adaptable; prefers subtropical to tropical conditions
Propagation: Stem cuttings, air layering, or stratified seed
Tolerance: Moderate drought; not salt-tolerant
 
Landscape Use Ideal for pollinator gardens, tropical borders, and sensory landscapes. Best placed near seating areas to enjoy its evening fragrance. Pairs well with Cestrum nocturnum, Salvia guaranitica, and Duranta erecta for layered bloom and scent.