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Lemon-scented Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted Gum

$32.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia citriodora, the lemon-scented gum, is a tall, upright evergreen tree native to north-eastern Australia that develops a smooth, pale trunk and a high, open canopy. The narrow, lance-shaped adult foliage contains high concentrations of citronellal, releasing a strong citrus aroma when crushed or brushed.

This species is distinguished by its powdery white, pink, or coppery bark that sheds annually in thin, curling flakes to reveal a clean under-layer. Unlike many Eucalyptus species, it does not reliably regenerate from epicormic buds on old bare wood, relying instead on a subterranean lignotuber for recovery.

Uses & Benefits:

A majestic specimen tree featuring a smooth, beautifully coloured trunk and an elegant, open canopy.

Highly valued for its aromatic essential oils and as a windbreak or shade tree on large rural properties.

Provides critical habitat and food for koalas, native bees, and nectar-feeding insects, while mature specimens form nesting hollows for birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

1181 inches

Width

688 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 1 month 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 deep, well-drained soil, ensuring ample clearance from buildings, power lines, and paved areas.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth, gently loosening the outer roots of the specimen before planting.
Water deeply and regularly during the first two years to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Establish a single strong leader through formative pruning in the early stages, and never cut mature branches back into old, leafless wood as dormant epicormic buds will not shoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position with full, unobstructed sun.
Provide formative pruning during the early years to establish a strong central leader.
Ensure the soil is highly permeable and drains rapidly.

Don't

Do not plant near foundations, underground pipes, or overhead power lines.
Do not prune mature branches back into old, leafless wood.
Do not apply heavy, high-phosphorus chemical fertilisers.

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

Large specimen treeWindbreakParkland plantingHabitat restoration

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Themeda triandra Hardenbergia violacea Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon-scented Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted Gum questions

What zones can Lemon-scented Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted Gum grow in?

Lemon-scented Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted 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.

When does Lemon-scented Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted Gum bloom?

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

Does Lemon-scented Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted Gum need full sun?

Lemon-scented Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted Gum does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Lemon-scented Gum, Lemon Eucalyptus, Blue Spotted Gum drought tolerant?

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