shrub

Lemonwood

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as lemonwood, is an evergreen large shrub or small tree native to New Zealand that matures into a rounded, densely branched canopy. The glossy, yellow-green leaves feature distinct wavy margins and a prominent pale midrib, releasing a strong lemon fragrance when crushed.

In spring, the branch tips produce dense, terminal clusters of highly fragrant, yellow-cream flowers that attract bees and generalist pollinators. The species is highly valued for its rapid growth and exceptional tolerance to shearing, making it a premier choice for tall hedges and privacy screens.

Uses & Benefits:

Features glossy, wavy-edged yellow-green foliage that provides year-round color, complemented by highly fragrant spring flowers.

Responds exceptionally well to clipping, making it an excellent choice for dense windbreaks, formal hedges, and privacy screens.

Provides valuable nesting sites and cover for songbirds, while the nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

472"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained loam, sand, or clay soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, incorporating organic matter if the soil is poor.
Backfill the hole, settle the soil with deep watering, and apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.

Pro Tip

Never prune past the green foliage zone into bare, leafless interior wood, as old stems lack active epicormic buds and will fail to shoot back, leaving permanent holes in the hedge.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after flowering in late spring to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Ensure the soil drains completely to prevent root rot in wet winter months.
Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare, leafless wood, as it will not regenerate.
Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Do not over-fertilize, which can cause weak, floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimen PlantWindbreakCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Myrica californica Ceanothus Phormium tenax Coprosma repens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemonwood questions

What zones can Lemonwood grow in?

Lemonwood is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lemonwood deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Lemonwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Lemonwood bloom?

Lemonwood typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lemonwood need full sun?

Lemonwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Lemonwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lemonwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.