Backhousia citriodora

The Lemon Myrtle

Native to Queensland and the coastal regions of Northern NSW, Backhousia citriodora is grown as far south as Victoria.

Commonly known both as the Lemon Scented Myrtle and the Lemon Ironwood, this is a plant that could be used as an alternative to the Lily Pilly as a medium sized hedging plant.

Growth habit is upright and compact with foliage held tightly to form a dense bushy habit. The foliage is used for food flavouring.

Reaching around 5 -20 m in height when in cultivation (much larger in its native rainforest habitat), but easily pruned to size.

Fragrant foliage that is crushed and oil is extracted. Nice shiny foliage and masses of creamy white flowers from spring through to autumn.

How To Grow Backhousia citriodora – Basic Care

Easy to grow and very hardy in a well drained humus rich soil. 

Backhousis Citriodora is suitable for growing in containers where it can be pruned to maintain a smaller more compact growth habit..

• Position
  Being a rainforest tree part shade in hotter areas is advisable.
• Soil
  A deep humus rich soil is best and a cool root run will promote better growth. Backhousia citriodora is tolerant of poor soils as well.
• Watering
  Maintain moisture in summer months and reduce watering during winter and colder months.
• Fertiliser
  A slow release organic native plant fertiliser applied in spring will be beneficial.
  

Pruning

When pruned after 1-2 years growth it makes a great hedging plant. Attractive cream – white fluffy flowers in summer through to autumn.

Propagation

Propagation of Backhousis Citriodora is not difficult, cuttings can be taken in early autumn and when a rooting hormone are used the strike rate is good. Also possible from seed.

Summary Information

• Botanical Name – Backhousis Citriodora.
• Common Name – Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Ironwood
• Position – Full sun to a little shade.
• Soil – Well drained, tolerant of a range of soil conditions.
• Height – To 20 metres, often smaller and easily pruned.
• Spread – To 5 metres on a large specimen.
• Foliage – Deep green and fragrannt.
• Flowers – Creamy White.
• Flowering time – Summer to Autumn.
• Frost tolerant – Light frosts onlywithout leaf burn.
• Drought tolerance – Good once established.

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