Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle

• 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.

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

Mature Height: 5m - 8m Approximately

Mature Width: 5m – 7m Approximately

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

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

They are considered to have a:

• Medium Growth Rate

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.

• 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)

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.

Does Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle flower?

• Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

• Spring
• Summer

Flower Type:

• Clustered

Flower Colour:

Yellow

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.

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.

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle will thrive best in:

• Full Sun

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.

Is Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle Drought tolerant?

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.