Cymbopogon citratus
lemon grass
A densely-tufted, clump-forming, evergreen grass with hollow, cane-like stems and erect to arching, narrow, strongly lemon-scented, pale blue-green leaves up to 90cm long. Flowers are green and pinkish brown, in loose, branched sprays in late summer and autumn, but rarely appear under glass
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | Green Blue | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Green Brown | Green Blue | |
Autumn | Green | Green Brown | Green Blue | |
Winter | Green | Green Blue |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cymbopogon are sturdy, aromatic, tufted, evergreen, perennial grasses with linear to lance-shaped, mid- to bluish-green leaves and many-branched flower sprays. They contain essential oils that have medicinal, culinary and cosmetic uses
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S India Sri-Lanka
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with moderate humidity. Follow lemongrass cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in early spring, or by division in late spring. Fresh shoots sold for cooking will often root successfully. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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