Huma Naveed
Meet Lemon Myrtle Tree: Nature’s Lemon Zest Factory
Lemon Myrtle Tree is an iconic Australian native shrub (3–8m tall) that thrives in subtropical rainforests along the coastal regions of NSW and Queensland.
Glossy green leaves release a crazy-intense lemon scent—like someone bottled sunshine and rainforest air. And after rain, the whole tree hums with citrus perfume. Seriously, I’ll stand there just breathing it in.
Scientific Name: Backhousia citriodora
Also Known As: Lemon-scented myrtle, lemon ironwood, sweet verbena tree
But the real showstopper? Summer. Creamy flower clusters burst open, and suddenly my garden’s buzzing. Bees dive-bombing blossoms, butterflies fluttering like confetti, even cheeky lorikeets stopping by for a sip. It’s alive
Appearance & Characteristics
Feature Description
Foliage Glossy, evergreen, lemon-scented, oval leaves
Flowers: Creamy-white, fluffy clusters in summer/autumn
Growth Habit Dense, cone-shaped crown (prune for a rounded shape)
Climate: Frost-free temperate/subtropical zones
Soil Moist, well-drained, organically enriched
Position: Full sun to part shade
Special Power Leaves retain scent when cool-dried for storage
Growing & Care Guide
🌱 Planting
- In-Ground: Dig a hole 2x root ball width. Enrich the soil with compost/aged manure.
- In Pots: Use large containers with quality potting mix.
- Mulch: Apply organic mulch (keep away from the trunk).
💧 Watering & Feeding
- Young Plants: Water regularly to maintain soil moisture.
- Established: Drought-tolerant but water deeply in heat.
- Fertiliser: Slow-release native feed after flowering.
✂️ Pruning
- Tip-prune young plants for bushier growth.
- Remove lower branches to shape the tree.
- Pro Tip: Use clippings for cooking or propagation!
Harvesting & Uses
🍃 How to Harvest
- Pick leaves as needed. For storage, cool, dry leaves (which preserve oils) are used, and then they are ground.
- Safety: Wait days after fertilising before harvesting; rinse well.
🍽️ Culinary Magic
- Tea: Steep fresh/dried leaves in hot water.
- Cooking: Crush leaves for oils; use in marinades, grilled meats, or desserts (ice cream, shortbread).
- Preserves: Infuse honey, vinegar, or oils.
🌿 Beyond the Kitchen
- Essential Oils: Natural cleaning, skincare, and aromatherapy.
- Garden Design: Ideal as a fragrant hedge, screen, or feature tree.
Troubleshooting
Issue Solution
Myrtle Rust Purple/yellow-spotted leaves. Prevent with: Healthy soil, regular feeding/watering. (No home fungicides).
Pests are Rare – maintain plant health. Use organic pesticides if needed (follow safety guidelines).
Propagation: Grow Your Own!
- Seeds: Soak overnight → sow in seed mix → mist regularly. Germinates in 3–8 weeks.
- Cuttings: Take softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings in autumn → plant in sand/potting mix.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Myrtle
- I love lemon martle due to its. Sensory Joy: Releases a refreshing lemon scent after rain.
- It is Wildlife Haven: Flowers feed bees and birds.
- Zero Waste: Prunings Become Cooking Ingredients.
- And finally, it’s really required: Low Maintenance. Thrives with basic care once established.
Pro Tip: Plant near pathways or windows to enjoy its citrus perfume daily!
