Lemon Scented Myrtle - Backhousia citriodora

Lemon Scented Myrtle, Backhousia citriodora

One of Australia's most distinguished native species, Backhousia citriodora delivers year-round structural presence alongside an intense, signature citrus fragrance. At advanced size, it arrives as a refined, fully formed specimen, no establishment period, no compromise.

Why Lemon Scented Myrtle

Fragrance: Among the highest concentrations of citral of any plant on earth, a persistent, refined lemon scent released through foliage contact and ambient warmth.
Foliage: Dense, glossy, deep green leaves with a fine texture that reads with elegance at both close range and distance.
Flowering: Creamy white floral clusters in summer add seasonal interest without visual excess.
Climate resilience: Well suited to subtropical and warm temperate conditions; performs reliably in humid coastal and hinterland landscapes.
Native provenance: Indigenous to Queensland rainforests, a species with genuine ecological credibility and increasing demand in prestige Australian landscaping.

Ideal Applications

Screening and privacy: Dense canopy structure makes it a premium choice for boundary screening on high-value residential and commercial properties.
Formal avenues and entries: Responds well to light shaping; suited to symmetrical planting schemes along driveways and formal arrival sequences.
Sensory landscape design: A deliberate choice for courtyards, terraces, and outdoor living zones where fragrance is a design objective.
Native prestige gardens: Anchors sophisticated native planting schemes where botanical integrity and visual weight are both required.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (screening/hedge): 2–3m
Spacing (feature/avenue): 6–10m
Planting Season: Spring or autumn
Soil & Drainage: Prefers well-drained, moist soils with moderate fertility; tolerates a range of soil types including clay loam and sandy loam but dislikes waterlogging
Establishment Care: Water deeply two to three times per week for the first 6–12 months until established, then reduce to supplemental watering during dry periods. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Plant Details

Height: 10–20m
Width: 5–10m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Evergreen
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Native to: Queensland, Australia
Flower Colour: White