The Story
Plant Bio
Backhousia citriodora, commonly known as lemon myrtle, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia. Its lanceolate, glossy green leaves emit an intense, clean lemon aroma when crushed, far exceeding the citral concentration found in true citrus species.
In summer and fall, the branches terminate in dense, fluffy clusters of creamy-white flowers dominated by long, decorative stamens. The new foliage emerges with a distinct reddish or bronze tint before maturing to deep green.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
236"
Width
196"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic foliage; concentrated oil is a skin irritant
Bloom period
Summer – Fall
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with rich, well-draining loam in full sun to partial shade, ensuring protection from strong winds.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and amend heavy soils with organic matter to prevent waterlogging.
- Set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container, backfill, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem, to retain soil moisture.
Pro Tip
Do not treat young plants as drought-tolerant desert specimens; they require consistent moisture and protection from harsh afternoon sun during their first few seasons to establish a deep root system.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially while the plant is establishing.
- Prune the tips regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- Apply a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
Don't
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, as poor drainage quickly triggers root rot.
- Avoid pruning heavily into old, bare wood, which lacks active buds and may fail to regenerate.
- Do not expose young plants to freezing temperatures; protect them or move containers indoors when frost threatens.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lemon Myrtle questions
What zones can Lemon Myrtle grow in?
Lemon Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Lemon Myrtle bloom?
Lemon Myrtle typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lemon Myrtle need full sun?
Lemon Myrtle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Lemon Myrtle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lemon Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Backhousia to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Lemon Myrtle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.