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| Vara Dulce, Sweet-stem, Wooly Beebrush Aloysia macrostachya Verbenaceae Vara Dulce has fragrant purple flower spikes from spring through fall. Its leaves are larger and more hairy than those of whitebrush (A. gratissima) and have a strong scent reminiscent of thyme or oregano when crushed. In Texas it grows only in the Rio Grande Plains, on rocky hillsides and dry arroyos. It is a tall, erect shrub with many branches, sometimes growing as high as 12 feet. Like the other two Texas native Aloysias, the flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies. Vara dulce could be used as an informal hedge or as a speciman in poor, dry, well-drained soils. It is root hardy as far north as Austin. Plant Habit or Use: large shrub Exposure: sun Flower Color: blue - purple
Blooming Period: spring Fruit Characteristics: small drupe with 2 nutlets Height: to 12 feet Width: to 10 feet Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: very high Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: neutral Additional Comments:
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