Backhousia citriodora – Lemon Myrtle

Backhousia citriodora - lemon myrtle
Backhousia citriodora - lemon myrtle
Backhousia citriodora - lemon myrtle

Not only is this plant one of the best bush foods, it is also a beautiful ornamental with its glossy green aromatic leaves and fluffy white flowerheads. Whilst it is capable of growing into a small to medium sized tree, it can be kept as a shrub through regular pruning of the growing tips. This also serves to harvest the plant for its culinary uses for flavouring all sorts of dishes. Plant in a sunny spot with well drained soil and feed and water regularly during the warmer months to give yourself plenty of shoots. A rainforest tree from north NSW and south Queensland. Can take light frosts, but foliage will be damaged.

Family : Myrtaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Small tree

Width : 5

Flowering Time : Summer, Autumn

Soil Type : Sandy, Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate

Growth Habit : Evergreen, Dense foliage

Soil Moisture : Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage

Special Uses : Edible, Tea, Fragrant oils, Street tree, Erosion control, Honey producing plant, Pollution tolerant, Playground friendly

Scientific Name: Backhousia citriodora

Common Name : Lemon Myrtle

Height : 20

Flower Color : White, Cream

pH Level : Acid, Neutral

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Container growing, Coastal garden, Drought resistant

Light : Sunny, Light shade, Half shade

Lifespan : Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife : Bees, Nectar eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects