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Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

Most loved for its highly fragrant lemon-scented evergreen foliage, creamy-white flowers in summer, and its value as both a culinary and ornamental tree.

Regular price $160.00
Sale price $160.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Approx. 0.5m – 1.4m$160.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 0.8m – 2.0m$410.00
50cm/75LApprox. height: Approx. 1.6m – 2.0m$540.00
100LApprox. height: Approx. 1.6m – 2.0m$700.00
100L - Batch A (4 week lead time)Approx. height: Approx. 1.6m – 2.0m$760.00
200LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,460.00
400LApprox. height: Approx. 2.6m – 3.2m$3,920.00
1000LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$7,280.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

Delivery is calculated at checkout.

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    About Backhousia citriodora

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

    How tall does Lemon Myrtle grow?

    Lemon Myrtle grows to 5-8 metres tall in landscape settings, though it is commonly maintained at 2-3 metres as a hedge or compact feature.

    How fast does Lemon Myrtle grow?

    Lemon Myrtle has a moderate growth rate of 40-60cm per year once established.

    Are Lemon Myrtle leaves edible?

    Yes. Lemon Myrtle leaves are fully edible and widely used in Australian cooking for teas, desserts, marinades, and savoury dishes. The leaves carry one of the highest natural citral concentrations of any plant.

    Is Lemon Myrtle an Australian native?

    Yes. Backhousia citriodora is native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Queensland.

    Where does Lemon Myrtle grow best in Australia?

    Lemon Myrtle thrives in warm temperate to subtropical climates including NSW, QLD, and frost-free parts of VIC and WA. It tolerates mild frost once established.

    Can Lemon Myrtle grow in pots?

    Yes. Lemon Myrtle is excellent in large pots (40L+) and is widely used as a fragrant courtyard or balcony plant.

    How far apart should I plant Lemon Myrtle for a hedge?

    Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal hedge or screen kept around 2 to 3 metres tall. Space at 2 metres if you want each plant to keep more of its natural shape. Tip prune from a young age to encourage branching low down, which gives you a solid base rather than bare stems.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Rounded
    • Broad
    • Columnar
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Shade Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Rural Property Planting
    Mature height
    5m to 8m (approx.)
    Mature width
    5m to 7m (approx.)

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

    Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle in Different Soil

    Backhousia citriodora performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • 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.

    Is Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle Evergreen or Deciduous?

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

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 5m to 8m (approx.)

    Mature Width: 5m to 7m (approx.)

    Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

    Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

    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.

    Does Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle Flower?

    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

    Is Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle an Australian Native Tree?

    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.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle ?

    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.

    How much Sunlight does Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle need?

    Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred 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.

    Is Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle Drought Tolerant?

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall does Lemon Myrtle grow?

    Lemon Myrtle grows to 5-8 metres tall in landscape settings, though it is commonly maintained at 2-3 metres as a hedge or compact feature.

    How fast does Lemon Myrtle grow?

    Lemon Myrtle has a moderate growth rate of 40-60cm per year once established.

    Are Lemon Myrtle leaves edible?

    Yes. Lemon Myrtle leaves are fully edible and widely used in Australian cooking for teas, desserts, marinades, and savoury dishes. The leaves carry one of the highest natural citral concentrations of any plant.

    Is Lemon Myrtle an Australian native?

    Yes. Backhousia citriodora is native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Queensland.

    Where does Lemon Myrtle grow best in Australia?

    Lemon Myrtle thrives in warm temperate to subtropical climates including NSW, QLD, and frost-free parts of VIC and WA. It tolerates mild frost once established.

    Can Lemon Myrtle grow in pots?

    Yes. Lemon Myrtle is excellent in large pots (40L+) and is widely used as a fragrant courtyard or balcony plant.

    Compare sizes side by side

    Scroll to compare →

    30cm/33cm

    Approx. 0.5m – 1.4m

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 0.8m – 2.0m

    50cm/75L

    Approx. 1.6m – 2.0m

    100L

    Approx. 1.6m – 2.0m

    100L - Batch A (4 week lead time)

    Approx. 1.6m – 2.0m

    200L

    Enquire for current heights

    400L

    Approx. 2.6m – 3.2m

    1000L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Backhousia citriodora is loved for its highly fragrant lemon-scented evergreen foliage, creamy-white flowers in summer, and its value as both a culinary and ornamental tree.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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