Stevia rebaudiana
(Sweet Herb of Paraguay, Sweet Leaf, Eupatorium rebaudianum)

Origin:  Native of  South America
Family:  Asteraceae
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  2-3'
Spacing:  2-3'
Blooms:  White, small, tubular, year round, repeat
Foliage:  Gray-green, round, small
Soil:  Well-drained, mildly acidic
Water:  Moderate
Insects/Diseases:  Watch for leafhoppers and white flies
Uses:  Herbs, container, sweetener, indoors
Propagation:  Seeds (Sow ASAP), layering, cuttings

Comments:  Stevia rebaudiana or Sweet Herb of Paraguay or Sweet Leaf or Eupatorium rebaudianum is a tender subtropical or tropical herbal plant with an upright growth habit.  It is a native of South America.  Sweet Leaf is a natural sweetener, hence its common name.  Year round, it produces repeated white blossoms among small, gray-green rounded foliage.  The leaves, both fresh and dried have been in use for over a century.  Sweet Leaf is a wonderful plant for diabetics and those who are on a diet.  It is calorie-free and taste as about 300 times as sweet as sugar.  Eupatorium rebaudianum is easily propagated from seeds or layering or stem cuttings.  The seeds have to be sown as early as possible as they have short shelf life.  Sweet Herb of Paraguay performs best in well-drained, moist, mildly acidic soil, in a sunny to part shade location.  Avoid fertilizer with excessive nitrogen as it will produce large, tasteless leaves.  Stevia rebaudianum produces side shoots; pinch top for a more rounded growth. Leaves harvested in the morning before blossoms appear taste best.  Use fresh leaves as a liquid sweetener, in salads, beverages or sauces.  Dried leaves can be grounded and stored for later use.  Sweet Leaf tolerates a minimum weather of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder areas, grow it as an annual in a container and bring plant indoors for the Winter.  Stevia rebaudiana is a very useful herb to have around the kitchen.  Sweet Leaf has antibacterial, antimicrobial properties and possess all the goodness for good health.  What's not to like for a plant that helps regulate your heart beat, prevents plague on your teeth and maintain good blood pressure.  

USDA Zones:  8-11