Lemon-scented gum Corymbia citriodora
Lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Queensland, Australia. It grows 20–40 m (66–131 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
Plan Lemon-scented gum in your garden →
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Lemon-scented gum at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 m (66–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–417 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Queensland, Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇳 India, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Lemon-scented gum toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, essential oil
Eucalyptus oil is poisonous if swallowed (drooling, vomiting, drowsiness); keep the oil away from children and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lemon-scented gum
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Lemon-scented gum
- How far apart should I plant Lemon-scented gum?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Lemon-scented gum need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lemon-scented gum need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Lemon-scented gum?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Lemon-scented gum flower?
- About 261–417 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Lemon-scented gum poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Eucalyptus oil is poisonous if swallowed (drooling, vomiting, drowsiness); keep the oil away from children and pets.
- What grows well with Lemon-scented gum?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lemon-scented gum. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- A tall, slender gum with a smooth, powdery white to pinkish trunk that seems to glow at dusk, and leaves that smell strongly of lemon when crushed. Its oil is rich in citronellal; refined “oil of lemon eucalyptus” (PMD) is used as an insect repellent. Planted in parks and plantations across the warm world.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium