Corymbia Citriodora

Lemon Scented Gum

Botanical Name: Corymbia citriodora
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia (Queensland & northern NSW)
Plant Type: Evergreen tree

Overview

Lemon-Scented Gum is one of Australia’s most iconic and beautiful eucalyptus species, widely planted across South Australia for its tall, elegant form, smooth white-to-pink bark and highly aromatic foliage. In warm weather or when crushed, the leaves release a strong lemon-scented essential oil, making it a favourite for sensory gardens, rural plantings and large landscape designs. It performs exceptionally well in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, thriving in heat, wind and dry conditions once established. Creamy-white flowers appear in summer and attract nectar-feeding wildlife, while the smooth trunk provides year-round visual interest.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 15-35 m H x 8-12 m W (tall, narrow-to-broad upright form depending on conditions)
• Growth Rate: 50-100+ cm per year when young, slowing with age
• Foliage: Long, narrow, glossy blue-green leaves; strong lemon fragrance when crushed; new growth may flush reddish or bronze in warm seasons
• Flowers: Creamy-white clusters in summer; nectar-rich
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen canopy structure year-round, striking white–cream–pink mottled bark, fragrant foliage, and summer flowering that brings movement and wildlife into the garden
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, bees and other pollinators. Mature trees provide roosting and habitat for birds and beneficial fauna
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), highly heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, and suitable for second-line coastal positions. Light frost tolerant when mature; protect young trees from severe frost. Handles poor, dry soils typical of SA if drainage is reasonable
• Planting Density: Feature or avenue spacing: 5–8 m apart depending on desired canopy overlap
• Pet Friendly: Not pet-friendly — foliage contains essential oils that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun for best form, bark colour and oil production
• Soil: Well-drained sandy loam, loam or clay loam; tolerates slightly alkaline soils common in Adelaide; avoid prolonged waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2-3 weeks in summer; very little in winter
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance; formative prune early to develop a straight, strong leader; avoid heavy cutting into mature wood; remove basal shoots if present; mulch in spring
• Lifespan: 50-100+ years
• Climate Zones: Highly suited to Mediterranean and temperate South Australia, including Adelaide plains, northern suburbs, foothills and coastal regions
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline with good drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Spectacular feature tree for large gardens, rural blocks and open landscapes
• Avenue planting for driveways or boundary lines
• Mass plant for a dramatic canopy and uniform bark display
• Excellent in naturalistic or native gardens where height and movement are desired

Why You Will Love It

A majestic, long-lived Australian native that thrives in South Australia’s climate. Its smooth, spotted trunk, aromatic lemon-scented leaves and summer flowers create year-round beauty, while its toughness and low water needs make it ideal for large gardens seeking structure, fragrance and habitat value.