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
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 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.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
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.
Preserving
See Dehydrating (drying for long-term storage) or Freezing Produce (freezing a harvest surplus) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Other nativesAvoid nearby
Frost-prone, exposed positionsRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial shrub.
