lemon myrtle indoor plant Lemon Scented Myrtle – The Nurso

lemon myrtle indoor plant Lemon Scented Myrtle – The NursoLemon Scented Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) Lemon Scented Myrtle is an evergreen Australian native tree highly valued for its glossy foliage and strong lemon fragrance. It is widely used in hedging, screening, and feature planting, offering a lush, dense appearance combined with aromatic appeal. Its vibrant green foliage and fresh citrus scent make it a standout addition to both residential and commercial landscapes. Key Specifications Botanical

Lemon Scented Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)

Lemon Scented Myrtle is an evergreen Australian native tree highly valued for its glossy foliage and strong lemon fragrance. It is widely used in hedging, screening, and feature planting, offering a lush, dense appearance combined with aromatic appeal.

Its vibrant green foliage and fresh citrus scent make it a standout addition to both residential and commercial landscapes.

Key Specifications

Botanical name: Backhousia citriodora
Common name: Lemon Scented Myrtle

Plant type: Evergreen tree

Mature height: 4 to 8 metres
Mature width: 2 to 4 metres

Typical hedge height: 2 to 5 metres
Typical hedge width: 1.5 to 3 metres

Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Time to maturity: Approximately 3 to 5 years

Growth Habit and Structure

Lemon Scented Myrtle forms a dense, upright tree with a naturally bushy habit.

Strong central structure with dense branching
Can be shaped into hedges or maintained as a feature tree
Produces a full, leafy canopy from top to bottom

Its tidy growth makes it suitable for structured planting.

Foliage and Appearance

The foliage is a defining feature of this plant.

Leaves are:

Narrow, lance-shaped, and glossy
Bright to deep green in colour
Highly aromatic when crushed, releasing a strong lemon scent

The foliage provides both visual and sensory appeal year-round.

Growth and Establishment

Lemon Scented Myrtle establishes quickly and develops into a dense plant.

Early stage:
Focuses on root development and upright growth

1–2 years:
Strong increase in height and density

3–5 years:
Reaches mature size with a full, established canopy

Its growth rate makes it ideal for screening and hedging.

Light Requirements

Performs best in full sun to partial shade.

Full sun:
Encourages dense growth and strong foliage development

Partial shade:
Maintains healthy growth with slightly softer form

Suitable for a range of garden positions.

Watering Requirements

Responds well to consistent watering during establishment.

During establishment:
Water regularly to support root development

Once established:
Water weekly or as needed depending on conditions

In warmer periods:
Additional watering supports lush growth

Consistent moisture promotes a full, vibrant canopy.

Soil Preferences

Performs best in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Suitable for:

Loam soils
Sandy soils
Improved clay soils

Adapts well to a variety of soil types when well prepared.

Pruning and Maintenance

Highly responsive to pruning and easy to shape.

Regular trimming encourages dense growth
Ideal for hedging and screening
Can be maintained at a range of heights

Pruning enhances structure and fullness.

Fertilising

Benefits from regular feeding.

Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season
Organic mulch improves soil condition

Feeding supports healthy growth and foliage quality.

Flowering Features

Produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers.

Flowers are:

Soft and lightly textured
Appear in warmer months
Provide subtle seasonal interest

The foliage remains the primary feature.

Spacing Guide

For hedging:

Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart

Closer spacing creates faster coverage
Wider spacing suits larger plantings

Landscaping Uses

Lemon Scented Myrtle is ideal for:

Hedging and screening
Feature trees
Fragrant garden areas
Courtyards and pathways
Native and modern landscapes

Its fragrance makes it particularly suitable near outdoor living spaces.

Longevity and Performance

A reliable, long-lasting tree that maintains structure and appearance over time.

Provides year-round greenery and fragrance
Suitable for long-term landscape use
Maintains a dense, uniform canopy with regular pruning

Summary

Lemon Scented Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is an evergreen tree growing to approximately 4–8 metres tall and 2–4 metres wide. It establishes within 3–5 years, forming a dense, upright plant with glossy green leaves that release a strong lemon fragrance.

Its lush appearance, fast growth, and aromatic foliage make it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, and feature planting in a wide range of landscapes.