Eucalyptus citriodora
lemon-scented gum
Fast-growing, large tree reaching about 30-40m tall in the wild, with smooth, creamy-white, sometimes pinkish bark and strongly lemon-scented, very slender yellowish-green adult leaves to 16cm long. Clusters of 3 white flowers are produced throughout the year but mainly in winter
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow Green | |||
| Winter | White | Yellow Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
A genus of around 100 species of evergreen trees, native to Australia, with green foliage, peeling bark and masses of bright red, pink or orange flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
In mild counties and frost-free areas, grow in neutral to acid soil that doesn't dry out, in full sun with shelter from winds; in frost-prone areas, grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse, in a mix of lime-free potting compost and grit, in full light with good ventilation. Water freely in spring and summer and apply a general fertiliser monthly, water sparingly in winter. See eucalyptus cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring and summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Pruning group 1, or for the best display of juvenile foliage use Pruning group 7. May need restrictive pruning under glass. See Eucalyptus: pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to silver leaf and oedema
Get involved
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