Lemon Zieria

Lemon Zieria (Zieria citriodora) is a dense Australian native groundcover that grows about 15cm tall and spreads 1m wide. Its small glossy leaves smell of lemon when crushed, and pale pink buds open to small white flowers from late winter to early summer. It is rare in the wild, so growing it in a garden also helps keep it going.

Why you'll love it

• Lemon scented leaves. Crush a leaf and it releases a clean citrus scent, which is a pleasure beside a path.
• Long flowering season. Pale pink buds open to small, four-petalled white flowers from late winter to early summer.
• A magnet for beneficial insects. The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, so it earns its place in a wildlife garden.
• Low and dense. It forms a neat glossy mat only 15cm high that spreads to about 1m.
• A rare native worth growing. It is endemic to a few locations in New South Wales and Victoria and still vulnerable, so every garden plant matters.

Where it works best

Under gum trees. In the wild it grows in eucalypt forest, so it suits underplanting beneath eucalypts and other established trees. Plant 70cm apart to form a low, spreading cover.

Along paths and borders. Plant it where you brush past, so the lemon scent is released as you walk. The low habit also edges a garden bed neatly.

Wildlife gardens. Pair it with other native groundcovers and shrubs to build a layered planting that feeds bees and other beneficial insects.

Pots and containers. It grows well in a pot with a free draining native mix, kept in dappled light.

Growing Lemon Zieria in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade or filtered light, protected from hot afternoon sun. It comes from eucalypt forest in south-eastern Australia, so it suits temperate gardens best, and it is frost resistant once established.

Soil. Well draining, sandy or gravelly soil. Avoid heavy clay that stays wet, and raise the bed or add coarse sand if drainage is poor.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established. Fertilise only plants growing in very poor soil, using a low phosphorus fertiliser formulated for natives.

Pruning. Prune lightly as required to keep the mat tidy. The plant is very disease resistant, so it needs little other attention.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lemon Zieria as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, neat plant on arrival that spreads steadily over the first couple of seasons. Plant it into well draining soil in dappled light soon after it arrives.

Our grower supplies the tube stock and cannot always keep it available. If the tube shows as sold out, the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse groundcover plants
• More Australian native plants
• A guide to rare Australian native plants
• Plants for partial shade

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 70cm apart. The plants spread to about 1m wide, so that spacing lets them meet and form a continuous mat within a few seasons.

Will it grow under my gum tree?

Yes, it is a natural fit. It grows beneath eucalypts in the wild and prefers dappled shade, so keep it out of the harshest afternoon sun.

Why use a low phosphorus fertiliser?

Many native plants are sensitive to phosphorus. If your soil is very poor and you want to feed it, choose a fertiliser made for natives.