Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle

A distinctive and aromatic Australian Native rainforest tree renowned for its intense lemon fragrance, remarkable culinary and aromatic qualities, and ornamental beauty. Red and copper-toned new growth, creamy-white summer flowers, and exceptional sensory appeal make this a premium tree for screening, feature planting, and culinary gardens.

Quick Info

Height: 3–8m 

Width: 3–5m 

Growth Rate: Steady and manageable – establishes reliably

Frost Tolerance: Doesn't handle frost well – best suited to warm regions

Positioning: Full sun to part shade

Perfect For

> Feature trees in warm climate gardens

> Screening and hedging applications

> Culinary and aromatic gardens

> Ornamental specimen trees with sensory appeal

> Wildlife gardens attracting birds, insects and bees

> Subtropical rainforest-inspired landscaping

Plant Variety Overview

Backhousia citridora, commonly known as Lemon Myrtle, is a distinctive and aromatic Australian native rainforest tree native to the subtropical rainforests of central and south-eastern Queensland, Australia. This premium tree is renowned for its exceptional lemon fragrance, remarkable culinary and aromatic qualities, and ornamental beauty, making it a multi-purpose addition to Australian gardens.

The tree displays attractive red and copper-toned new growth that transitions to glossy green mature foliage, creating year-round colour interest and visual appeal. Creamy-white flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of branches from summer through autumn, creating ornamental displays and attracting birds, insects and bees. The exceptional lemon fragrance released from foliage when leaves are crushed or brushed is the tree's standout characteristic—a powerful sensory experience that defines the Lemon Myrtle.

Beyond ornamental value, Lemon Myrtle leaves have significant culinary and aromatic applications. The leaves are prized in gourmet cooking for flavouring dishes, beverages, and desserts with authentic lemon essence without citrus bitterness. The aromatic foliage is valuable for aromatherapy, dried arrangements, and creating natural fragrant products including soaps and creams. This dual-purpose quality makes the Lemon Myrtle particularly valuable for culinary gardeners and those seeking aromatic plants with genuine rainforest heritage.

Why You'll Love It

> Exceptional Lemon Fragrance: Intensely aromatic foliage releases powerful lemon scent when crushed or brushed—a defining sensory characteristic

> Culinary & Aromatic Applications: Leaves are prized for gourmet cooking, beverages, desserts, aromatherapy, dried arrangements, and natural fragrant product creation

> Ornamental Red & Copper New Growth: Striking red-toned new foliage transitions to glossy green, creating year-round colour interest and visual appeal

> Creamy-White Summer Flowers: Abundant delicate, fluffy creamy-white flower clusters appear throughout warmer months, creating ornamental displays

> Australian Rainforest Heritage: Authentic subtropical Queensland rainforest heritage connects you to native Australian botanical excellence

> Wildlife Magnet: Attracts birds, insects, bees and pollinators, bringing life and movement to gardens

> Low-Maintenance: Naturally maintains attractive form without intervention—low to no maintenance once established

Growing Guide

Climate & Hardiness: Best suited to warm, subtropical and tropical regions. Does not handle frost well—not recommended for cool or cold climate regions. Thrives in warm climates with adequate moisture. Native to subtropical rainforests, so prefers warm, humid environments.

Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade. Prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Full sun positions promote vigorous growth and optimal flowering.

Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Tolerates various soil types but performs best in deep, moisture-retentive soils with good drainage.

Water Management: Benefits from consistent moisture during establishment, particularly during hot, dry periods. Once established, relatively low-maintenance with steady, reliable growth. Mulch around base to retain moisture in warm climates.

Flowering & Fragrance: Produces creamy-white flowers in clusters from summer through autumn, with intense lemon fragrance released from foliage when touched or brushed. Fragrance intensifies with leaf damage or handling.

Foliage Characteristics: Red and copper-toned new growth transitions to glossy green mature foliage. The foliage naturally maintains attractive form—low to no pruning required once established.

Pest & Disease Management: Generally very hardy with few significant pest or disease issues in warm climates. No major pests or diseases of concern.

Pruning & Maintenance: Minimal pruning required. Tree naturally maintains attractive form without intervention. Light pruning can shape the tree if desired, but not necessary for health or appearance.

Mature Dimensions

Height: 3–8m in residential gardens (up to 20m in natural rainforest habitat)

Width: 3–5m (upright, spreading canopy)

Growth Rate: Steady and manageable – establishes reliably