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Holly's Homestead — Native Bush Food

Lemon Myrtle

Backhousia citriodora · Myrtle family, native to Australia
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Evergreen perennial shrub/small tree, native to Australia
MATURITY Usable leaves from year two
Sun
Full sun–part shade, sheltered
Water
Regular
Soil pH
5.5–7.0
Spacing
2–4m or hedge
Depth
as per pot

01An aromatic native hedge

Lemon myrtle clips well into a dense, fragrant hedge and provides an intensely lemon-scented leaf year-round — a genuinely useful and attractive native for a homestead herb garden.

02Planting

Method
Plant from a nursery pot.
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile.
Timing
Plant in spring in a sheltered spot.

03Growing care

  • Protect from frost while young — more cold-sensitive than many natives.
  • Water regularly while establishing.
  • Clip as a hedge, or leave free-form.
  • Harvest leaves regularly, which encourages fresh growth.

04Problems

  • Frost damage — the main risk while young; shelter in cooler zones.
  • Myrtle rust — orange spore masses on new growth; remove affected material, improve airflow.
  • Scale insects — occasional; treat with horticultural oil.
  • Slow establishment — be patient in the first couple of years.

05Harvest & storage

Signs
Leaves are usable year-round once established.
Method
Pick leaves as needed.
Curing
Dries very well, retaining strong flavour.
Storage
Fresh, fridge a week or so; dried, airtight for a year or more.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
Other natives
Avoid nearby
Frost-prone, exposed positions
Rotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial shrub.