So long lemon trees... hello Lemon Myrtle!

This versatile and aromatic native is the perfect shrub for suburban gardens, balconies and rural plots. The fragrant leaves are so sweet and lemony that they can be used fresh to add a lemony zest to fish or tea without lemons' sharp acidity. It's somewhere between lemongrass and citronella and contains the world's highest levels of the natural oil citral, which gives lemons their lemon flavour!

Climate Zones: Arid, Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Tropical.

Find your climate zone here.

Pluck leaves off.

Water moderately at tender age. Lemon Myrtle is drought tolerant at maturity age. Mulching is also advised during extremely cold climate.

For best results, plant in sandy/loamy, well-drained soil, and place your plant in full sun. You can also grow in part shade for reasonable results. This dense, prickly bush typically grows up to 8m tall and 5m wide and may be trellis-trained. It's the perfect little fruiter for a patio or balcony garden.

Pruning can be done to control the growth of the plant and to give the plant shape; if the plant is attacked by pests, spray Neem oil on the attacked areas.

Lemon Myrtle is supposed to be a frost-tolerant plant and can survive frost of up to -5 degrees, but if you live a cold climate we recommend protecting it during Winter and don’t over-water it.

This lovely species does exemplary well in full sun and fairly well in part shade.

The fragrant leaves are so sweet and lemony that they can be used fresh to add a lemony zest to fish or tea without lemons' sharp acidity. It's somewhere between lemongrass and citronella.