Myrtaceae
Lemon myrtle: Aromatic Plant
Backhousia citriodora
It thrives in a sunny to semi-shaded position in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. During the first year after planting, it requires regular watering, after which it becomes more drought-tolerant. It does not tolerate waterlogging, which poses a risk of root rot. Young plants must be protected from frost below -5 °C, though mature specimens can withstand short-term light frosts.
Every 5 days
Bright indirect
5° - 35°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is Lemon myrtle?
Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a medium-care plant from the Myrtaceae family. Lemon myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree from the Myrtaceae family, native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia (Queensland, from Mackay to Brisbane). In the wild, it can grow up to 20 m, while in cultivation it usually reaches 3-5 m. The glossy lanceolate leaves, 5-12 cm long...
Lemon myrtle grows up to 5.0m, watering every 5 days, 5°C – 35°C, 40–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Lemon myrtle is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 10 days.
How to Care for Lemon myrtle?
TLDR: Lemon myrtle needs Bright indirect, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 5-35°C with 40-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Lemon myrtle?
During the first year, water thoroughly and deeply 1-2 times a week. For established plants, allow the top layer of substrate to dry out before the next watering. Avoid permanently wet soil—it is the primary cause of root rot.
How Much Light Does Lemon myrtle Need?
Requires full sun to light partial shade—the more sun it receives, the richer the production of aromatic essential oils in the leaves. Indoors, place it by a bright south-facing window.
What Is the Best Soil for Lemon myrtle?
Prefers sandy loam, well-drained soil rich in humus with a pH of 5.5-7. For pots, mix peat, sand, and perlite in a ratio of approximately 1:1:1 to ensure water drains freely.
What Pot Should You Use for Lemon myrtle?
Choose a large, deep pot (at least 30-40 cm) with sufficient drainage holes, ideally terracotta for better evaporation of excess moisture. In colder climates, move the plant indoors or into a greenhouse during winter.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Lemon myrtle and Where Does It Come From?
Lemon myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree from the Myrtaceae family, native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia (Queensland, from Mackay to Brisbane). In the wild, it can grow up to 20 m, while in cultivation it usually reaches 3-5 m. The glossy lanceolate leaves, 5-12 cm long, release an intense lemon fragrance when crushed—they contain an exceptionally high proportion of citral (90-98%), making it one of the richest natural sources of this compound in the world. From summer to autumn, it blooms with small creamy-white flowers in clustered panicles.
How to Propagate Lemon myrtle?
How Big Does Lemon myrtle Grow?
TLDR: Lemon myrtle can reach up to 5.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
5.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- The essential oil has significant antimicrobial and antibacterial effects (high citral content)
- Traditionally used in diluted form to treat minor skin issues
- Used in aromatherapy for its refreshing and purifying effect—undiluted oil is toxic to human cells, so it must always be diluted
Culinary Uses
- Dried and ground leaves used as a spice similar to lemongrass
- Flavoring for teas, syrups, and beverages
- Seasoning for fish and vegetable dishes, pasta, and baked goods (e.g., shortbread)
- A substitute for lemon zest in ice cream and desserts without the acidic component
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Lemon myrtle?
TLDR: Lemon myrtle is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Canker
Canker is a disease caused by various fungi and bacteria that create necrotic, sunken areas on bark of branches, stems, and trunks. Pathogens enter through wounds and natural openings, especially when plants are stressed. Canker can gradually weaken or kill branches by disrupting water and nutrient flow.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
For the Indigenous people of Australia, the tree represented a valuable source of aromatic oils and was part of traditional herbalism; today, it symbolizes freshness, purity, and a connection to the Australian wilderness.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
