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Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

$140.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 50cm/75L 100L 100L - Batch A (4 week lead time) 200L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

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

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 mustconfirm 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.

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.

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

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)

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

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15% off orders over $2,000
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About Your New 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.

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.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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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 - 8m Approximately

Mature Width: 5m – 7m Approximately

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

Growth Rate of Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

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

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.

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How To Plant Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

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.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

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

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

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle

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.

Planting Your Backhousia citriodora Lemon Myrtle in Different Soil

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.

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.