Lemon Scented Gum

The lemon scented gum (Corymbia citriodora) is one of the most elegant trees in the Australian bush and one of the most demanding of space. A smooth powdery trunk in white, cream and soft pink rises clean for metres before the canopy opens, and the leaves release a sharp lemon scent when crushed. Around 15m tall and 6m wide is realistic in a suburban garden over fifteen years, but it keeps going, so this is a tree for an acreage, a large lawn or a paddock.

Why you'll love it

• The trunk is the feature. Smooth bark sheds each summer to a fresh powdery surface that lights up at dusk against a dark backdrop.
• Lemon scent on the air. Crushed foliage and warm humid evenings both bring out the citrus oil the species is named for.
• Genuinely tough. Drought tolerant, heat tolerant, wind tolerant and untroubled by poor soil, which is why it lines so many country roads.
• Fast growing shade. The high open canopy throws filtered shade rather than dense shadow, so grass still grows underneath.

Where it works best

Shade tree. Best on acreage, rural blocks and large lawns. Allow at least 8m of clearance from buildings, paving, pipes and power lines, and more if you can.

Driveways and avenues. The straight clean trunk makes a striking avenue on a long rural driveway. Space trees 10m to 12m apart so each keeps its own crown.

Windbreaks and feature planting. Wind tolerance suits it to a shelter row along a paddock boundary, and a single specimen holds a large open garden by itself.

Growing lemon scented gum in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, always. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and arid gardens, and it tolerates light frost only, so hard frosting inland and cold southern districts are not the right home for it.

Soil. Poor, gravelly and sandy soils are fine, and so is ordinary garden soil. What it will not accept is permanently wet ground, so avoid low spots that hold water.

Water and feed. Water deeply once a week through the first two summers, then leave it to the weather. Feeding is rarely needed; if growth looks pale, use a low phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring.

Pruning. Remove competing leaders early so a single trunk takes over, then leave it alone. Like most large eucalypts it can shed limbs in storms and extreme heat, which is the main reason to plant it well clear of the house.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in five sizes: 140mm packs of ten, 200mm packs of six, 300mm, 400mm and 100L. Small eucalypts are usually the better buy, because they establish faster and build a stronger root plate than a pot bound advanced tree. The 100L plants suit gardeners who want immediate height and will stake for two years.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect rapid growth from the second season once the roots are away. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The corymbia and flowering gum care guide
• Browse the full corymbia range
• Australian native trees for large gardens
• Choosing a canopy tree for shade

Common questions

How big does it really get?

Around 15m tall and 6m wide over fifteen years in a garden, and up to 35m in habitat. Plant it only where a very large tree is welcome long term.

How far from the house should I plant it?

At least 8m, and further is better. Large eucalypts drop bark and occasionally limbs, and the root zone should not sit under paving or over services.

Does it really smell of lemon?

Yes. Crush a leaf and the citronella scent is unmistakable, and it carries on the air on warm humid evenings.

Will it grow in a cold climate?

It tolerates light frost only. In hard frosting inland and cold southern districts choose a hardier eucalypt, since young trees are the most vulnerable.