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Common Name: lemon-scented gum
Type: Tree
Family: Myrtaceae
Zone: 8 to 11
Native Range: Queensland
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Unknown
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Colorful, Fragrant
Tolerates: Drought
Uses: Suitable as Annual
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-11 where plants are grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates drought. In the St. Louis area, it is usually grown from seed as a container plant, a houseplant or a garden annual. Container plants can be placed on patios or sunk into the ground to the lip, but must be brought indoors in fall before first frost for overwintering.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Native to Australia, lemon-scented gum is a tall, slender, broadleaf evergreen tree that will grow 60-100’ tall in its native habitat. Features smooth gray bark and narrow lance-shaped yellowish-green leaves (to 7” long) that are lemon-scented. Small white flowers in 3-flowered umbels. Flowers rarely appear on young trees or container plants. In the St. Louis area, it may be grown as an annual from seed, typically growing rapidly to 6-8’ tall in one growing season.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Garden Uses
Garden annual. Container plant. Houseplant.