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Conservatory GreenhouseGrass LikeHerbs - Culinary

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

Other common names
serai
squinant
Synonyms
Andropogon citratus
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H1B
Botanical 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

Get involved

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