Sweet Almond verbena (Aloysia virgata ) is a large shrub/small tree that can be a useful addition to the fragrant garden. This new plant to South Florida gardeners should become popular if there is enough space.

An arching plant, it will grow to 15 feet high and wide, although size can be controlled with pruning. You can grow it as a small patio tree if the lower branches are removed. It will serve as a background shrub as the strong vanilla/almond fragrance is strong enough to be enjoyed at a distance.

Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees find the fragrant blooms attractive. Tiny white blooms are borne on spikelike stalks and are not very showy. The stalks average 4 to 8 inches long.

The rounded foliage is dark green and feels like sandpaper. Foliage is 3 to 4 inches long. The shrub grows rapidly with an open growing habit.

This plant likes full sun and is quite drought tolerant. It does very well in South Florida.

Sources: Jesse Durko’s Nursery, 5151 SW 70th Ave. (Viele Road), Davie, 954-792-2297; Wonder Gardens at Sears, corner of Broward Blvd. and University Drive, Plantation, 954-370-2872; Nu-Turf of Margate, 1785 N. State Road 7, Margate, 954-972-9425; Living Color Garden Center, 3691 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, 954-985-8787; Abell’s Nursery, 5850 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, 561-969-1138; Gardino Nursery, 9415 158 Road S., Delray Beach, 561-272-1416 (by appointment only).

Green thought

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Things to do

Irrigation: Check your irrigation system for broken pipes and heads. Prune away tall growth that may interfere with water coverage.

Plant: Install new plantings as soon as possible to take advantage of nature’s watering. The dry season begins around Oct. 15. Start annual and vegetable seeds at the end of the month.

Pests: Insect populations continue at a high level. Weevils, mealy bugs, scale, chinch bug, caterpillars and other insects are abundant now. Do weekly walk-throughs.

Hurricanes: Tuesday is the height of the hurricane season. Remove branches overhanging the house, dead wood and crossing limbs. Prune back shrubbery from windows and the house.

Robert Haehle is an author, freelance writer and horticultural consultant. He lives in Tamarac. E-mail him at .

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

Origin — Argentina

Foliage — Sandpaperlike rounded leaves

Growth Rate — Fast

Nutritional Requirements — Low

Soil Requirements — Well drained, alkaline soil is fine

Salt Tolerance — Moderate

Drought Tolerance — High

Light Requirements — Full sun

Propagation — Cuttings

Pest Problems — None now