Backhousia citriodora or Lemon Scented Myrtle is a neat, evergreen shrub or shade tree.
It has leathery, lanceolate leaves of bronzey green that release fragrant lemon scent when crushed.
Lemon scented myrtle has plentiful terminal clusters of small white poly-stamenous flowers from late spring to summer making a very pretty display.
Being native to sub tropical rain forests of Queensland it not very frost hardy but easily grown in warmer climates.
Will tolerate a light frost, short periods of drought and 2nd line salt.
They have been successfully grown as far south as Victoria but tend to reach no more than 5 metres in height.
The leaves are used in soaps and often used in cooking where they impart their distinctive lemony oils to the dish.
This delightful plant is a great addition any garden but particularly to native and sensual gardens.
It can be grown for shade or used as a hedge or screen, the strong lemony scented leaves make hedge trimming a sensory pleasure. Can be grown in coastal areas but will not do well if planted next to beach.