Botanical profile

Lemon eucalyptus

Latin name
Lemon-scented gum
Common name
Lemon eucalyptus
Type
Non-hardy tropical aromatic tree
Family
Myrtaceae

Lemon eucalyptus is an aromatic plant much appreciated for its elongated, green to gray-green foliage, which releases a fresh, lemon-scented, and slightly mentholated aroma when crushed. Its vibrant and distinctive scent makes it an ideal plant for patio pots, herb gardens, deck containers, and aromatic arrangements. In addition to its fragrant appeal, its decorative foliage adds an exotic, light, and elegant touch to outdoor spaces during the warm season.

Easy to grow, lemon eucalyptus prefers a full sun, warm, and well-ventilated location, in light, fertile, and very well-drained soil. It grows particularly well in pots, which allows for better control of watering and enables it to be moved indoors when temperatures drop. Regular watering is recommended during growth, while allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid excessive moisture. As it is not hardy in our climate, it is generally grown as an annual or brought indoors before cold weather to a very bright spot.

Both decorative, fragrant, and very useful in sensory gardens, lemon eucalyptus is perfect for gardeners looking for an original and easy-to-integrate aromatic plant in containers. Its foliage can be used in bouquets, fresh or dried arrangements, and natural decorative creations. It's an excellent plant to add a lemony note, elegant texture, and a fresh ambiance to patios, balconies, and herb gardens.

Care guide

Care level
Moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Very fragrant and decorative citrus-scented foliage
Container, terrace, patio, cut foliage, Mediterranean garden, decorative aromatic plant
Container growing
Excellent container plant for a deep, well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Bring indoors away from frost in cold climates; prune lightly to maintain a compact shape; avoid overwatering
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate; let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to medium humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light fertilization in spring; avoid excessive fertilizer
Soil type
Light, fertile, sandy, and very well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
5°C
Propagation method
Sowing or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Sporadic in hot climates
Flower color
Creamy white
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Persistent
Shape
Upright, slender, and branched habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
2 to 4 m (6 to 13 ft)
Width
1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Lavender, rosemary, sage, lemongrass
Spacing
90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 inches)
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.