tree

Lemon-scented Gum

$32.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia citriodora, the lemon-scented gum, is a tall, single-stemmed evergreen tree distinguished by its smooth, powdery white-to-pinkish bark that sheds in thin, mottled patches. The narrow, lanceolate adult leaves emit a strong citronella aroma when crushed, while the open canopy carries clusters of small, cream-colored flowers from winter into spring.

This species stands out for its remarkably straight, architectural trunk and highly aromatic foliage that yields essential oils. Unlike many other eucalypts, it maintains a graceful, sparse habit that allows filtered light to reach the understory.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a striking, smooth, powdery trunk that sheds in patches, paired with an open, graceful canopy.

Yields highly aromatic foliage rich in citronella-like compounds, often used for essential oil extraction.

Provides abundant nectar for bees and generalist pollinators during the winter and spring blooming seasons.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

1574"

Width

984"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$32.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly draining sandy loam, gravel, or light clay-loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but to the same depth, ensuring the soil is loose.
Gently remove the plant from its container, place it in the hole, and backfill without burying the collar.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, and apply a light layer of mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Never top or pollard this tree; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents reliable resprouting and permanently disfigures the canopy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location with exceptional drainage to prevent root rot.
Protect young saplings from frost during their first few winters.
Prune lightly and only when young to establish a strong central leader.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.
Do not cut back into old, bare wood during pruning.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeWindbreakShade Tree

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon-scented Gum questions

What zones can Lemon-scented Gum grow in?

Lemon-scented Gum 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.

Is Lemon-scented Gum deer resistant?

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

When does Lemon-scented Gum bloom?

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

Does Lemon-scented Gum need full sun?

Lemon-scented Gum does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Lemon-scented Gum drought tolerant?

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