Growing Lemon Myrtle

Backhousia citriodora which has the common name Lemon Myrtle is part of the Myrtaceae family.

If you have ever wondered how to grow Lemon Myrtle then look no further. Lemon Myrtle are relatively straightforward to grow, but there are a few tricks to growing Lemon Myrtle in Australia. Get these right and you will be laughing.

How big can Lemon Myrtle grow?

Lemon Myrtle can grow to a height between 3 ~ 20 metres and grow to a width of 1 ~ 5 metre. Make sure that you have the right amount of space for your Lemon Myrtle in your chosen planting location.

What colour flowers do Lemon Myrtle have?

Lemon Myrtle have wonderful flowers which can be white, cream. Lemon Myrtle will flower during summer, autumn.

Where should you plant Lemon Myrtle?

Lemon Myrtle thrive in a sunny, light shade, half shade location and are perfect for planting in a low maintenance garden, container growing, coastal garden, drought resistant. They thrive in the following climate zones sub-tropical, warm temperate.

Lemon Myrtle can be planted in a variety of soil types such as sandy, clay, loamy, sandy loam, clay loam, poor soil. They can handle a variety of Ph level including acid, neutral. Lemon Myrtle likes it’s soil soil moisture levels to be dry, well-drained, moist moderate drainage.”

Are Lemon Myrtle perennial?

Yes, Lemon Myrtle are perennial. A perennial plant is a plant that lives more than two years. The term is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials.

Are Lemon Myrtle frost tolerant?

Yes, Lemon Myrtle tolerates light frost.

How to propagate Lemon Myrtle

The best way to propagate Lemon Myrtle is by seed, softwood cutting, semi-hardwood cutting, layering.

What are Lemon Myrtle used for?

Lemon Myrtle can be used as a hedge, screen, fragrant. Other special uses for Lemon Myrtle include being used edible, tea, fragrant oils, erosion control, honey producing plant, pollution tolerant, playground friendly. Lemon Myrtle are great at attracting wildlife such as bees, nectar eating birds, butterflies, other insects.

Check out our other how to grow guides:

• Wedding Bush
• Mat Rush
• Cushion Bush