Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle - Evergreen Trees Direct

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle

Name: Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: BACKCIT40cm
Price: 365.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$365.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

963 in stock

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 75L 100L 100L - Batch A (4 week lead time) 50cm

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.5m - 2.1m Approx.
75L: 1.7m -2.3m Approx.
100L: 1.9m – 2.2.5m Approx.
100L – Batch A (4 week lead time): Enquire within for height guide information.
50cm: Enquire within for height guide information.m tall

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle

Backhousia citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Myrtle, is a fragrant Australian native and one of our top recommendations for an evergreen feature tree. It produces fluffy white to creamy yellow flowers and has a strong, fresh lemon scent, commonly used in candles.

Lemon Myrtle forms a dense, upright habit ideal for use as a feature tree, screen, or informal hedge. Suited to full sun or part shade, it performs well with regular watering and responds to pruning—whether shaped into a small tree or kept compact in a pot. It is low maintenance, pest resistant, and attracts birds and bees, making it suitable for both urban gardens and larger landscapes.

This versatile tree also has culinary value, with leaves that can flavour teas, desserts, and savoury dishes. Once established, it is tolerant of mild frost and moderate drought. With evergreen foliage, seasonal flowers, and a standout fragrance, Lemon Myrtle combines beauty, resilience, and function in any garden setting.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m - 8m Approximately

Mature Width: 5m – 7m Approximately

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle frost tolerant?

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Flowering Information

Backhousia citriodora produces masses of creamy-white, fluffy star-shaped flowers from late spring through summer. These showy blooms form in rounded clusters at the branch tips, creating a bright and fragrant seasonal display that complements its highly aromatic foliage.

Native Information

Is Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle an Australian Native? Yes

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle is Native to Subtropical rainforests of Queensland, particularly from Mackay to Brisbane, where it grows naturally in sheltered coastal ranges.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, butterflies and hoverflies, while the dense evergreen foliage provides valuable shelter for small birds. The extended flowering season also supports pollinators at a time when many species are less abundant, boosting garden biodiversity.

Sunlight Information

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Backhousia citriodora performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained sites unless improved with organic matter to enhance drainage and aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as it matures and develops moderate drought resilience.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Lemon Myrtle

Genus: Backhousia

Botanical Species: Backhousia citriodora

Family: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name: Backhousia citriodora

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree
Screening or Privacy
Shade Tree
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
Rural Property Planting

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Edible Garden – integrates fruit, herbs, and productive plants.
Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant Backhousia citriodora

Location Selection: Opt for a location with good sunlight and well-draining soil.
Soil Preparation: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil; enrich with organic matter if needed.
Digging: Prepare a hole twice the size of the plant's root ball.
Planting: Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and press down firmly.
Initial Watering: Ensure a deep water immediately after planting.

Hedging & Screening: 1 m – 1.5 m – Forms dense, fragrant screens

Feature Tree: 2 m – 3 m – Allows for full crown development and flowering

Avenue Planting Trees: 3 m – 4 m – Good for structured rows in warm climates

Caring for Backhousia citriodora

Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially in dry conditions.
Mulching: Apply a generous layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Pruning: Light pruning after flowering can maintain shape and promote dense growth.

Optimizing Soil for Fragrant and Vibrant Growth

Ideal Drainage: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

Well-Draining Soil: Excellent for supporting the aromatic foliage of Lemon Myrtle.

If you have the following soil, here are some tips for you:

Sandy Soil: Great for its natural drainage. Enhance with organic matter and controlled-release fertilizer to improve nutrient availability.
Clay Soil: Can be heavy; improve with coarse sand and organic compost to enhance drainage and aeration.
Loamy Soil: An ideal environment that offers a good balance of nutrients and drainage. Enrich with compost to maintain vitality.
Peaty Soil: High organic content; ensure good drainage by mixing in sand and consider raising beds if waterlogging is an issue.

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle is expected to grow Approx. 40 – 60 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it benefits from regular watering, but once established Backhousia citriodora develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods and maintains its lush canopy reliably in warm, humid or coastal settings.

Flowering Information

Does Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the culinary uses of Lemon Myrtle? The aromatic leaves are used as a lemon flavoring in various dishes, teas, and beverages.
Does Lemon Myrtle have therapeutic properties? Yes, it's often used in essential oils for its antibacterial and aromatic properties.
Is it frost-tolerant? Lemon Myrtle can tolerate mild frosts but may need protection in colder regions.