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🚚 Shipping Update:
We’re now shipping nationwide across the continental U.S. again! 🌱
📦 Please note: Shipping to California remains paused due to agricultural regulations.
🌿 Dwarf Sweet Almond (Aloysia virgata)
The Compact Powerhouse of Fragrance, Pollinators & Florida-Friendly Beauty 🌸🦋
If you love the intoxicating perfume of the Sweet Almond but don’t have the space for a 15-foot shrub, you’ll fall in love with the Dwarf Sweet Almond. Compact, drought-tolerant, and endlessly fragrant, this Florida-friendly favorite turns patios, pollinator gardens, and containers into a paradise of sweet, floral aroma.
Available now at GreenDreams Nursery & Farm in Spring Hill, Florida, and shipped nationwide every Monday via UPS Ground.
🌱 Quick Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Aloysia virgata |
| Common Name | Dwarf Sweet Almond, Miniature Almond Verbena |
| Plant Type | Fragrant flowering shrub |
| Available Sizes | 4-inch starter & 1-gallon potted plant |
| Mature Height & Width (Unpruned) | 4–5 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide |
| Mature Height (With Pruning) | Easily maintained 3–4 ft |
| Growth Habit | Upright, compact, bushy form |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 (semi-evergreen to evergreen) |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (6+ hours daily) |
| Cold Hardiness | Tolerates light frost; root-hardy to about 25°F |
| Soil Needs | Well-draining sandy or loamy soil |
| Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Spacing | 3–5 ft apart for healthy airflow and full growth |
| Pollinator Appeal | Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds |
| Edibility | Ornamental only — does not produce edible almonds |
🌸 Flower & Fragrance
- Bloom Season: Late spring through frost — nearly year-round in frost-free zones.
- Flowers: Long clusters of small, pure white, tubular blooms on slender wands.
- Fragrance: Famous for its almond-vanilla scent, often compared to strawberry shortcake or gardenia.
- Pollinator Power: Each bloom is loaded with nectar, making this one of the best shrubs for butterflies and honeybees in warm climates.
🌿 Growth Habits & Landscape Appeal
The Dwarf Sweet Almond forms a densely branched, bushy shape, unlike the tall, arching standard variety. It creates a soft, romantic form ideal for small gardens and patio planters. Its slender, bright green foliage contrasts beautifully with the white flower spikes that shimmer in sunlight and glow in evening light.
Perfect for:
- Pollinator & butterfly gardens
- Patio containers and entryways
- Cottage, Mediterranean, or tropical landscapes
- Florida-Friendly low-maintenance landscapes
🌎 Growing Regions & Climate Notes
- Zones 9–11: Performs best across Central and South Florida, the Gulf Coast, and other subtropical regions.
- Zone 8 (Northern Florida & coastal Southeast): May die back in freezes but resprouts from the base in spring.
- Cooler Regions (Zone 7 and below): Can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors near a sunny window.
🌱 Why Gardeners Love It
- Compact and Manageable: Perfect for patios, balconies, and small gardens.
- Fragrance Like No Other: Fills the air with sweet, creamy perfume.
- Pollinator Magnet: A continuous food source for butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Low-Maintenance: Once established, it thrives with little care.
- Container-Ready: Performs exceptionally well in planters, making it perfect for renters and city gardeners.
🌾 Historical & Cultural Background
Native to northern Argentina and South America, Aloysia virgata was named in honor of Maria Louisa, Queen of Spain, with “virgata” referring to its slender, wand-like stems. The plant was popularized for ornamental use across warm regions for its intense fragrance and fast growth, and its dwarf form is a modern selection prized for compact habit and container versatility.
🌿 How to Plant & Care for Dwarf Sweet Almond
Where to Plant
- Choose a full-sun location (6+ hours daily).
- Best results in well-draining sandy or loamy soil.
- Avoid shaded areas or low spots where water pools.
How to Plant (GreenDreams “High & Tight” Method)
- Dig a hole only as deep as the container and about twice as wide.
- Place the plant so the top of the root ball sits slightly above ground level.
- Backfill with native soil mixed with compost and biochar, packing firmly to remove air pockets.
- Water deeply to settle the soil.
- Apply 2–3 inches of hardwood mulch, keeping it 2 inches away from the stem.
(For a demonstration of our planting style, search “GreenDreams High & Tight Planting Method” on YouTube.)
Watering & Establishment
- First 2 weeks: Water daily.
- Weeks 3–8: Water 2–3 times per week.
- After establishment: Water once a week during dry spells.
Pruning
- Flowers form on new growth, so prune after each flush of blooms.
- Light pruning encourages reblooming and keeps a compact form.
- In cooler zones, trim back dead wood in late winter — it quickly regrows.
Fertilization
- Feed in spring with organic compost or slow-release fertilizer.
- Avoid high-nitrogen products — too much foliage can reduce flowering.
🪴 Container Growing Tips
- Container Size: Minimum 12–14" for 4" starter; 14–18" for 1-gallon plants.
- Soil Mix: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix.
- Location: Place outdoors in full sun; bring indoors before frost if north of Zone 9.
- Indoor Care: Keep in a bright, sunny window with good air circulation.
- Watering: Container plants dry faster; check soil regularly.
- Pests: Watch for whiteflies or spider mites in indoor environments.
🐝 Companion Plants & Organic Guild Ideas
- Mid-layer pollinator partners: Salvia, Pentas, Porterweed, and African Blue Basil.
- Groundcovers: Perennial Peanut, Sunshine Mimosa, Frogfruit for living mulch and soil improvement.
- Upper canopy companions: Dwarf citrus, Vitex, or native shrubs like Firebush for layered habitat design.
❄️ Seasonal Care for Florida & Warm Climates
- Winter (Zones 9–10): Remains semi-evergreen; prune lightly and water only as needed.
- Late Winter (Zone 8–9): Cut back frost-damaged stems to encourage spring growth.
- Spring–Summer: Fertilize lightly with organic compost or liquid seaweed for bloom boost.
⚠️ Cautions
- Fragrance intensity: Very strong — best suited for outdoor placement if you’re sensitive to scent.
- Not Edible: Strictly ornamental, not related to edible almond trees.
- Frost: Protect from freezes below 25°F; mulch the base heavily in winter if planted in-ground.
🌻 Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No blooms | Too much shade or fertilizer | Move to full sun & reduce nitrogen |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Allow soil to dry between waterings |
| Leaf curl or sticky residue | Whiteflies or aphids | Spray with organic insecticidal soap |
| Sparse growth | Lack of pruning | Lightly trim to encourage new shoots |
🌼 Is Dwarf Sweet Almond Right for You?
✅ Ideal For:
- Gardeners in Zones 9–11
- Fragrance lovers & butterfly gardeners
- Small gardens, patios, and balconies
- Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscapes
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Deep shade or cold climates (Zones 7 & below)
- Overly wet or compacted soils
🌸 Sweet Almond vs. Dwarf Sweet Almond
Choosing the Perfect Fit for Your Fragrant Garden 🌿🦋
| 🌿 Feature | 🌳 Sweet Almond (Standard) | 🌼 Dwarf Sweet Almond (Compact) |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Aloysia virgata | Aloysia virgata |
| Plant Type | Large fragrant shrub / small tree | Compact, rounded shrub |
| 🌞 Sun Requirements | Full sun (6+ hrs daily) | Full sun (6+ hrs daily) |
| 📏 Mature Size (Unpruned) | 10–15 ft tall × 6–8 ft wide | 4–5 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide |
| ✂️ Manageable Height (With Pruning) | 6–8 ft | 3–4 ft |
| ⚡ Growth Habit | Upright, arching, open canopy | Dense, bushy, and compact |
| 🌡️ USDA Zones | 8a–11 | 9–11 |
| ❄️ Cold Hardiness | Root-hardy to ~20°F; may die back in 8–9 | Root-hardy to ~25°F; best in warm zones |
| 🌸 Bloom Season | Summer through frost | Spring through frost |
| 🌺 Fragrance | Sweet almond–vanilla; “strawberry shortcake” aroma | Identical scent, slightly lighter intensity |
| 🐝 Pollinator Appeal | Exceptional—draws bees, butterflies & hummingbirds | Excellent—perfect for small pollinator gardens |
| 🪴 Container Suitability | Large containers (10–20 gal or half-barrel) | Small to mid containers (3–7 gal) |
| 🌾 Soil Needs | Well-drained; tolerant of clay, sand, loam | Well-drained; prefers sandy or loamy |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🌿 Maintenance Level | Low—occasional pruning after bloom | Very low—easy to maintain year-round |
| 🌳 Landscape Use | Large borders, hedges, or focal point | Patios, courtyards, small gardens |
| 🏡 Indoor/Container Use | Patio or courtyard planter | Ideal for pots, balconies, or entryways |
| 🌻 Bloom Spike Length | Up to 8 inches | 4–6 inches |
| 🏆 Special Note | FNGLA 2008 Plant of the Year | Compact form of FNGLA favorite |
| Ideal Buyer | Homeowners with larger yards or pollinator gardens | Gardeners with limited space or patio gardens |
🪴 Summary — Which One Fits Your Garden?
🌳 Sweet Almond (Standard):
- Best for larger spaces, landscapes, and natural hedges
- Creates dramatic vertical impact and strong scent coverage
- Ideal for garden backdrops, pollinator corridors, and borders
🌼 Dwarf Sweet Almond:
- Best for compact gardens, patios, and container growing
- Offers the same intoxicating fragrance in a smaller package
- Perfect for balconies, courtyards, or entryways
🌸 Shipping Details
We ship nationwide every Monday via UPS Ground from our nursery in Florida.
- Best suited shipping regions: Florida, the Southeast, and Texas.
- Nationwide shipping available: Plants may need extra recovery time when shipped to northern or western states.
- Seasonal Advisory: We are not responsible for temperature-related shipping stress. Buyer discretion is advised during peak heat or freeze periods.
When your plant arrives:
- Unbox immediately upon delivery.
- Water deeply and allow it to acclimate in bright shade for a few days before moving to full sun.
🏡 Visit or Shop with GreenDreams
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Open Tuesday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM | Saturday 8 AM–3 PM
Explore a curated collection of edible, medicinal, native, and pollinator-friendly plants for Florida and beyond.
Shop in person or order online for nationwide delivery — and discover why GreenDreams is Florida’s most trusted name in regenerative gardening. 🌿
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
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For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
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For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
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We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
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Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
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Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
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Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
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Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
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Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
