Browse plants / Myrtaceae
Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
Also called Lemon-scented myrtle
When it flowers
- January, flowering
- February, flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, not flowering
- August, not flowering
- September, not flowering
- October, not flowering
- November, not flowering
- December, flowering
Small tree with strongly lemon-scented leaves used as a bush spice, and creamy summer flowers.
A Queensland rainforest tree grown for its leaves, which have a stronger lemon scent than lemons themselves. Clusters of creamy flowers cover the tree in summer. Grows well in a large pot or as a small, dense tree, and is often kept low for easy leaf picking.
In the garden
- Flowers
- Clusters of small creamy-white flowers.
- Attracts
- Pollinating insects and butterflies
- Leaves
- Glossy, pointed leaves with a strong lemon scent when crushed; soft, hairy new growth.
Bush food
Leaves are picked fresh or dried and used as a lemon flavouring in tea, baking, sauces and with fish.
Growing conditions
- Climate
- Tropical, subtropical and temperate
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Sandy and loam
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Light frost
- Water
- Some dry spells
- Coast
- Sheltered coastal gardens
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed and cuttings
Planting
Sun or part shade in rich, well-drained soil, sheltered from frost and cold wind while young. Grows slowly in cool climates.
Pruning
Tip prune to keep it bushy and the leaves within reach.
Care
Very prone to myrtle rust in humid areas; remove affected shoots and avoid overhead watering. Water in dry spells and feed in spring.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Order
- Myrtales
- Native to
- Queensland
- Natural range
- Rainforest of coastal Queensland, mainly the south-east and central coast.
Where to buy
Widely available.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Backhousia citriodora on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
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