Common Name: Lemon Myrtle

Sun Requirements: Lemon Myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location with good sunlight exposure but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.

Soil: Plant Lemon Myrtle in well-draining, fertile soil with good moisture retention. It can adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the establishment period. Once established, Lemon Myrtle has moderate water needs and can tolerate short periods of drought. Water deeply and regularly, particularly during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot.

Maintenance: Lemon Myrtle generally requires minimal pruning to maintain its desired shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed throughout the year. Fertilize in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Growth Profile:

• Height: Lemon Myrtle typically grows to a height of 6-8 meters, forming an upright, pyramidal crown.
• Spread: The spread of Lemon Myrtle is generally similar to its height, forming a broad and dense canopy.

Characteristics: Lemon Myrtle features glossy, lance-shaped leaves with a strong lemon scent, especially when crushed or bruised. The leaves are highly aromatic and are often used to flavor culinary dishes, teas, and fragrances. In spring and summer, it produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Ideal Use: Lemon Myrtle is well-suited for use as a specimen tree, shade tree, or screening plant in larger gardens, parks, or public landscapes. Its fragrant foliage, culinary versatility, and wildlife-attracting flowers make it a valuable addition to native gardens, edible landscapes, or wildlife habitat restoration projects. Additionally, the aromatic leaves can be harvested and used fresh or dried in cooking, baking, or herbal teas, adding a delightful lemon flavor to various dishes and beverages.