Will the leaves grow back?

Yes, new growth will appear from the nodes where the leaves fell off. Give it time and keep up with consistent light and water.

Is it normal for it to lose leaves in winter?

Lemon verbena is deciduous in cooler climates and will naturally drop its leaves as it goes dormant. Reduce water during this time and keep it in a cool, bright spot.

Why is my Lemon verbena losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger one inch into the soil to check moisture.
Observe the plant's position to see if it gets direct sun.
Check for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil is bone dry for too long or constantly soggy. The plant drops leaves to conserve energy when it cannot manage its water intake.
What to do: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim for a consistent schedule every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat.
Low light
Possible
How to tell: The plant is stretching toward the window and losing older leaves near the base. It is not getting the full sun it needs to sustain its foliage.
What to do: Move the pot to a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are indoors, a south facing window is usually the best choice.

Find out what's wrong with your lemon verbena

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for a plant to drop a few leaves when you first bring it home or move it to a new spot. If the leaf drop continues for more than two weeks, you need to adjust your care.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a steady watering routine and ensure the plant stays in a bright, sunny location. Avoid moving the plant around once it has settled in.

Keep your lemon verbena healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will the leaves grow back?: Yes, new growth will appear from the nodes where the leaves fell off. Give it time and keep up with consistent light and water.
Is it normal for it to lose leaves in winter?: Lemon verbena is deciduous in cooler climates and will naturally drop its leaves as it goes dormant. Reduce water during this time and keep it in a cool, bright spot.

Why is my Lemon verbena losing its leaves?