Browse plants / Myrtaceae
Lemon-scented gum Corymbia citriodora
Previously known as Eucalyptus citriodora
When it flowers
- January, not flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, flowering
- June, flowering
- July, flowering
- August, flowering
- September, flowering
- October, not flowering
- November, not flowering
- December, not flowering
Tall, elegant gum with a smooth white-to-pink trunk and strongly lemon-scented leaves.
Famous for its tall, smooth trunk, which turns white, cream or pink as the bark sheds in summer, and for the lemon scent of its crushed leaves. A tree for large gardens and parks, not small blocks.
In the garden
- Flowers
- Small white flowers in clusters.
- Attracts
- Birds and pollinating insects
- Leaves
- Long, narrow leaves with a strong lemon scent when crushed; smooth, powdery bark.
Growing conditions
- Climate
- Tropical, subtropical and temperate
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil
- Sandy, loam and clay
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Light frost
- Water
- Very drought tolerant
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed
Planting
Full sun with room for a large tree; at least 10 m from buildings and pipes.
Pruning
Have a qualified arborist remove dead or weak limbs from older trees.
Care
No feeding needed. Water young trees through dry spells for the first two summers.
Safety
Large gums can drop branches without warning, especially in hot, still weather. Keep it well away from houses, driveways and play areas.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Order
- Myrtales
- Native to
- Queensland
- Natural range
- Dry woodland of central and northern Queensland.
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
- Corymbia citriodora on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
An independent list of nurseries that specialise in Australian native plants. Nobody pays to be on it. Distances are approximate and in a straight line. Opening hours and stock vary, so check before you go.