Sweet Almond
aloysia virgata

days to maturity:
plant spacing: 1 plant per 4 square feet
sunlight requirements: 6-14 hours
look out for: none
harvest notes: sensitive to temperature, may lose leaves in the winter
season: fall, winter, spring, summer
perennial

Aloysia virgata, commonly known as Sweet Almond Bush, is a fast growing, woody shrub or small tree native to northern Argentina. Growing up to 15' tall, its habit is to slightly arch, with long, thin branches. Sweet Almond prefers medium to dry, well-draining soil in full sun, but is tolerant of occasional drought and poor soil conditions, with best growth and flowering in fertile soils. Vigorous pruning can keep the size and shape of this plant in check, as well as increasing the number of blooms. Grown for its extremely fragrant white blooms, emerge from the ends of new growth on clusters of flowering spikes, the fragrance permeates the air. Flower clusters are very popular with bees and butterflies, especially the rare native Atala butterflies.