Japanese Plum vs Lemon Verbena Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Japanese Plum
Prunus salicina
The Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) is a deciduous tree typically reaching 10-25 feet in height. It is known for its early spring bloom of fragrant white flowers, followed by the production of juicy, sweet plums in various colors, including red, purple, and yellow. While primarily an outdoor tree cultivated for fruit production and ornamental value, it is not suited for indoor growth due to its size, light requirements, and need for a dormancy period. People grow it for its fruit, attractive blossoms, and landscape appeal.
Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citriodora
Lemon Verbena is a deciduous shrub known for its intensely lemon-scented leaves. It typically grows outdoors to a height of 3-7 feet. The plant features lance-shaped, light green leaves that release a strong citrus aroma when bruised. While it can be grown indoors, it requires very bright light and consistent care to thrive. People grow it for its fragrant leaves, which are used in teas, desserts, and potpourri. It is not naturally an indoor plant and will struggle without proper conditions.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Japanese Plum | Lemon Verbena |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Watering | Weekly, adjusting based on weather and soil moisture | Every 3-7 days depending on environmental conditions and pot size. Check soil moisture regularly. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 10-25°C | 18-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | Not applicable indoors; 10-25 feet outdoors | 1-3 feet indoors (significantly smaller than outdoor growth) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) | Well-draining potting mix; a blend of potting soil, perlite, and sand is suitable. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30-60 minutes weekly during growing season | 30 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Japanese Plum
| Scientific Name | Prunus salicina |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Native To | China |
| Also Known As | Japanese plum, Chinese plum, Asian plum |
| Leaves | Alternate, lanceolate to ovate leaves, 2-4 inches long, with finely serrated margins. They are typically a glossy green color. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, abundant, fragrant white flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. |
Lemon Verbena
| Scientific Name | Aloysia citriodora |
|---|---|
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Native To | South America (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil) |
| Also Known As | Lemon Verbena, Herb Louisa |
| Leaves | The leaves are lance-shaped, about 2-4 inches long, and light green in color. They are slightly rough in texture and release a strong lemon scent when crushed or bruised. The leaves are arranged in whorls of three on the stems. |
| Flowers | Lemon Verbena can flower in late summer with small, white or pale lilac flowers. However, it rarely flowers indoors, especially if light conditions are not ideal. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Japanese Plum
Lemon Verbena
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Japanese Plum
Methods: Seed, grafting, budding, cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Grafting or budding onto suitable rootstock is the most reliable method. Cuttings can be attempted, but success rates are lower. Seeds require stratification.
Lemon Verbena
Methods: Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant in moist potting mix and keep humid until roots develop.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Japanese Plum
Japanese plums are known for their early spring bloom and juicy, sweet fruit. They are more adaptable to warmer climates than European plums.
- ✓ Provides fresh, homegrown fruit.
- ✓ Offers beautiful spring blossoms.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden.
- ✓ Provides shade in the summer.
- ✓ Can be a focal point in the landscape.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Lemon Verbena
The most unique characteristic is its intense lemon fragrance, which is stronger than many other lemon-scented herbs. It is also a deciduous shrub, losing its leaves in colder temperatures, unlike many evergreen herbs.
- ✓ The leaves can be used to make a calming herbal tea.
- ✓ The strong lemon scent can be uplifting and refreshing.
- ✓ It can be used to add a citrus flavor to dishes.
- ✓ It adds a fragrant element to your garden or home.
- ✓ It can be used in potpourri and other crafts.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Japanese Plum
Lemon Verbena
🌞 Light Requirements
Japanese Plum
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Lemon Verbena
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Japanese Plum
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering results in wilting and dry, brittle leaves. Ensure good drainage.
Lemon Verbena
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a musty smell from the soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Japanese Plum
Temperature: 10-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Lemon Verbena
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Japanese Plum
Prunus salicinaHomeowners with sufficient outdoor space who want to grow their own fruit and enjoy the ornamental value of a flowering tree.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have ample outdoor space and full sun exposure.
- You want to grow your own delicious plums.
- You enjoy the beauty of spring blossoms.
- You are experienced with fruit tree care.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You only have indoor space.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance plant.
- You have pets that might ingest toxic plant parts.
Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citriodoraExperienced gardeners who can provide the necessary sunlight and care to maintain a healthy lemon verbena plant indoors or outdoors.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You love the intense lemon scent and want to use the leaves in teas or cooking.
- You have a very sunny location, either outdoors or a south-facing window with supplemental light.
- You enjoy a challenge and are willing to provide the specific care this plant needs.
- You want a fragrant addition to your herb garden.
- You are looking for a plant with culinary and aromatherapy uses.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You cannot provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- You are a beginner gardener looking for an easy-care plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Japanese Plum has fast growth, while Lemon Verbena grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Japanese Plum Care Tips
Japanese plum trees are not suitable for indoor cultivation. They require full sun, a dormancy period, and ample space to grow. Indoor attempts will likely result in a stressed, unhealthy plant. Maintaining proper humidity and temperature indoors to mimic outdoor conditions is extremely difficult.
- Choose a cultivar suited to your climate.
- Provide adequate water during fruit development.
- Protect the tree from pests and diseases.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and productivity.
- Fertilize in early spring to promote growth.
Lemon Verbena Care Tips
Lemon Verbena is primarily an outdoor plant and requires significant sunlight to thrive indoors. It needs well-draining soil, regular watering, and fertilization. Indoor plants often struggle with insufficient light and humidity, making it a challenging houseplant.
- Provide adequate sunlight – this is crucial for indoor growth.
- Water deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Japanese Plum
Lemon Verbena
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Japanese Plum
What are the light requirements for Japanese Plum?
Japanese Plum trees need bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced fruit production (if applicable). A location near an east- or west-facing window is ideal. If you only have a south-facing window, use sheer curtains to diffuse the light. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to supplement its needs. The leaves will indicate if the light is sufficient; pale or yellowing leaves often signal a need for more light.
How do I care for Japanese Plum?
Caring for a Japanese Plum indoors requires providing the right conditions to mimic its natural environment. Place it in a location with bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain a consistent temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and provide moderate humidity. Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with well-draining potting mix. Monitor for pests such as aphids or spider mites and treat promptly with insecticidal soap.
How do I propagate Japanese Plum?
Japanese Plum can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from new growth in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain high humidity. For air layering, make a small incision on a branch, wrap it with moist sphagnum moss, and cover it with plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap with tape. Once roots have formed, cut the branch below the roots and plant it in a pot. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Lemon Verbena
What are the light requirements for Lemon Verbena?
Lemon Verbena thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, reduced flowering, and pale leaves. In hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
How do I care for Lemon Verbena?
Lemon Verbena requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, to encourage blooming.
How do I propagate Lemon Verbena?
Lemon Verbena can be propagated easily from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Cover with a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain high humidity.
Last updated: April 26, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.