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.
