Lemon Myrtle and Backhousia

How to choose a lemon myrtle

The Lemon Scented Myrtle is the one for the kitchen. In gardens it usually grows as a dense small tree or tall shrub of three to eight metres, with clusters of fluffy, creamy white flowers from summer into autumn. Advanced field grown lemon myrtles are also in the range for an instant tree.

The Aniseed Myrtle is a rare rainforest tree from the north coast valleys of New South Wales. In gardens it makes a dense tree of six to ten metres and is often kept as a large clipped shrub or hedge. Its glossy, wavy edged leaves smell strongly of aniseed when crushed, and it flowers white in spring. It is also sold as tube stock, one young plant per tube. The Grey Myrtle is a hardy shrub or small tree with spice scented leaves and cream, starry flowers in summer, useful as a native hedge or screen.

Where lemon myrtle grows

These are rainforest plants from the east coast, at home in subtropical and warm temperate gardens. They grow in sun or part shade in moist, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. In cooler districts they are slower, and young plants need protection from frost, though established trees tolerate light frost. Shelter from hot, drying wind keeps the foliage glossy.

Use them as a screen, a clipped hedge, a small shade tree or a large tub plant near the kitchen door. For companions, see our edible plants, Australian native trees and the finger limes, another native for the bushfood garden.

Planting and spacing

Dig compost through the soil and plant at the same depth as the pot. For a hedge or screen, space plants one and a half to two metres apart. As a specimen tree, allow three to four metres. In a pot, start with a container forty to fifty centimetres across and move up as the plant grows. Mulch well, keeping the mulch clear of the trunk.

Care basics

Keep the soil moist through the first two summers, and water established trees in dry spells. Feed in spring with a native plant fertiliser. Prune or clip after flowering, or simply harvest leafy tips through the year, which keeps the plant dense. Take the mature, dark green leaves for the strongest flavour.

Like other members of the myrtle family, backhousias can get myrtle rust on soft new growth in humid areas. It shows as yellow powdery spots. Remove and bin affected tips, and avoid heavy feeding that forces soft growth.

Common questions

How do I use lemon myrtle leaves?

Fresh or dried, as a bushfood flavouring in tea, baking, marinades and anywhere you would use lemon zest or lemongrass.

Can I grow lemon myrtle in a pot?

Yes. It grows well in a large tub for many years with regular water and light clipping.

Does lemon myrtle make a good hedge?

It does. It clips well, stays dense to the ground, and the clippings are useful in the kitchen.

Is lemon myrtle frost hardy?

Young plants are frost tender and need protection. Established trees tolerate light frost.