Aloysia virgata is more commonly known as sweet almond verbena, or incense bush, and originated in Argentina. The primary attraction of sweet almond verbena is its white flowers. The flower is not only attractive, but it also smells good; hence the second common name of incense bush. When dried, the foliage can be used in potpourri and sachets. The lovely scent of the flower will not only attract curious gardeners, but also butterflies and bees. Sweet almond verbena is a wonderful shrub to use in container or annual plantings in the Chicago region, but it is not hardy to our USDA Zone 5, but rather to USDA Zones 8, 9, or 10. However, if you find yourself in Florida for a better part of the year, you might be familiar with this bush, because it was the Florida Plant of the Year in 2008.If you choose to use this fragrant bush in your garden, be sure to give it an area of full sun and good soil drainage.