Corymbia Citriodora 'Scentuous'

Dwarf Lemon Scented Gum

Botanical Name: Corymbia citriodora 'Scentuous'
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia (cultivar of the Queensland lemon-scented gum)
Plant Type: Evergreen small tree (narrow-domed)

Overview

‘Scentuous’ is a grafted, compact lemon-scented gum ideal for South Australian gardens. It forms a tidy, upright canopy of pale to mid-green, lemon-fragrant foliage and has smooth white to pink bark. In summer it bears creamy-white flower clusters that bring nectar for pollinators. Suits modern, coastal and Mediterranean landscapes; choose a sunny, well-drained spot.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 6-7 m H x 3-4 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Aromatic, lemon-scented, lance-shaped leaves; smooth white–pink bark adds year-round appeal
• Flowers: Creamy-white clusters in summer; nectar-rich for birds and insects
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure; summer blooms; attractive white–pink bark
• Wildlife Value: Nectar and habitat for pollinators and birds
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat- and wind-tolerant; coastal-tolerant; light frost — protect when young
• Planting Density: Feature/screen planting at 3–4 m spacing; closer for avenue effect
• Pet Friendly: No — toxic to pets (eucalyptol in foliage/oils; ingestion can cause GI signs)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering and form)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; improve heavy soils and avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; remove any shoots below the graft; light formative prune after flowering if needed
• Lifespan: 40–80+ years in gardens (many specimens reach 50+ years); councils often plan for a shorter ~20-year “useful life” in street-tree conditions
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid, Neutral (prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Narrow feature or boundary screening tree for streets, drives and pathways (not for clipped hedges)
• Repeat in avenues or grouped accents for cohesive structure and scent
• Hero feature near lawns or outdoor living areas; striking bark and foliage year-round

Why You Will Love It

Fast, reliable and beautifully aromatic year-round. Corymbia ‘Scentuous’ delivers the classic lemon-scented gum look in a garden-friendly size, with showy white summer flowers, tough coastal and dry tolerance once established, and minimal maintenance — a standout statement tree for SA gardens.