Overview

Embark on a fragrant journey by cultivating your very own lemon scented gum, scientifically known as Eucalyptus citriodora. This remarkable tree is cherished for its distinctive, uplifting lemon fragrance emitted from its leaves, making it a delightful addition to any garden or indoor space. Whether you choose to start from eucalyptus citriodora seeds or opt for a young live plant, you’ll be bringing a piece of aromatic Australian wilderness into your home. The lemon scented gum is not only beautiful with its smooth, pale bark and elegant foliage but also offers a refreshing aroma, perfect for creating a calming atmosphere.

Known commonly as lemon eucalyptus tree, this species is relatively fast-growing and adaptable, thriving in a variety of climates. Its unique scent is often used in aromatherapy and as a natural insect repellent. This product offers you the flexibility to either plant seeds and watch your tree sprout and grow from its earliest stage or to get a head start with a small, established plant. Imagine the joy of brushing against its leaves and releasing that invigorating citrus aroma!

Key Benefits

The lemon scented gum offers a multitude of benefits beyond its striking appearance and pleasant aroma. It’s a truly versatile plant that can enhance your living environment in several ways:

• Aromatic Delight: The primary appeal of the lemon scented gum is its strong, refreshing lemon scent that fills the air when its leaves are crushed or disturbed. This natural fragrance can uplift moods and create a serene ambiance.
• Natural Insect Repellent: The citronellal content in the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree acts as a natural deterrent for mosquitoes and other insects, making it a functional plant for outdoor areas.
• Attractive Foliage: Featuring slender, lance-shaped leaves and often a smooth, shedding bark that reveals patches of cream, pink, or grey, this tree provides year-round visual interest.
• Fast Growth Rate: With proper care, the lemon scented gum can grow quite quickly, allowing you to enjoy its beauty and fragrance sooner.
• Versatile Planting Options: Available as both eucalyptus citriodora seeds and live plants, you have the choice to start your gardening adventure at your preferred stage.
• Indoor & Outdoor Adaptability: While young plants can be kept indoors, mature trees thrive outdoors in suitable climates, offering flexibility for various growing environments.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the fragrant eucalyptus plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention beyond basic watering and sunlight.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your lemon scented gum, whether from eucalyptus citriodora seeds or a live plant, is a rewarding experience. This species prefers well-draining soil and a sunny location to truly thrive. For seeds, sow them in a quality seed-starting mix, lightly covering them and keeping the soil consistently moist until germination. Once seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light to prevent legginess. If you opt for a live plant, choose a pot with good drainage or a garden spot that doesn’t retain water.

Sunlight requirements: The lemon eucalyptus tree flourishes in full sun, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use supplemental grow lights. Watering schedule: Water regularly, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Established outdoor trees are more drought-tolerant. Soil type and drainage: A well-draining soil mix is crucial. For potted plants, use a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or sand. For garden planting, amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage. Temperature range and USDA hardiness zone: This plant is best suited for USDA Zones 9-11 outdoors. In cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures but should be protected from severe frost. Fertilization schedule: Fertilize sparingly, especially for young plants. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring and mid-summer. Over-fertilization can harm the plant. Common problems: Watch out for common pests like aphids or scale. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Proper care will help your grow lemon eucalyptus into a robust and healthy specimen.

Size & Details

When you grow lemon eucalyptus, you can expect a plant with varying sizes depending on whether you choose seeds or a live plant. If starting from eucalyptus citriodora seeds, you’ll receive a packet containing a generous quantity of seeds, allowing you to start multiple plants. These seeds will germinate and grow into small seedlings, typically reaching 5-8 inches in height within their first few months under ideal conditions. Live plants, when shipped, are usually small (5-8 inches tall) and ready to be potted up or planted directly into the garden in suitable climates. The lemon eucalyptus tree is known for its fast growth rate, and in optimal outdoor conditions, it can eventually reach heights of 60-100 feet with a spread of 20-40 feet, forming an upright, bushy tree. For indoor cultivation or in containers, its size can be managed through pruning.

The product ships as either a packet of seeds or a small, healthy live plant. Seeds typically begin to sprout within 2-4 weeks. For live plants, expect them to establish quickly when transferred to their new home. The evergreen foliage ensures year-round beauty and fragrance. This plant is a long-term investment in your garden or home, providing many years of enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: If grown outdoors in suitable climates, the lemon scented gum can become a large tree, reaching 60-100 feet tall. When grown in containers or indoors, its size can be managed with regular pruning.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Young plants and those in colder climates (below USDA Zone 9) are best started indoors or kept as potted plants that can be brought inside during winter. Mature trees thrive outdoors in warmer regions.
• Q: How much sunlight does the lemon eucalyptus tree need? A: The lemon eucalyptus tree requires full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, to grow optimally. If growing indoors, place it in the brightest possible location.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, once established, the lemon scented gum is considered relatively low-maintenance. It primarily needs ample sunlight and well-draining soil. Starting with eucalyptus citriodora seeds requires more initial attention but is still manageable for beginners.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: If you order seeds, they will arrive in a protective packet. If you order a live plant, it will be carefully packaged to ensure it arrives healthy and ready for planting, typically in a small nursery pot.
• Q: How long until it blooms? A: While primarily grown for its fragrant foliage, the lemon scented gum produces small, creamy-white flowers. These typically appear on mature trees, often after several years of growth, usually in late winter to early spring.
• Q: What’s the ideal temperature for the fragrant eucalyptus plant? A: This plant prefers warmer climates and is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. It can tolerate some cold but needs protection from hard freezes. Ideal temperatures are typically above 40°F (4°C).
• Q: Can I use the leaves for anything? A: Yes, the leaves are prized for their strong lemon scent and contain citronellal, which is used in essential oils and as a natural insect repellent. You can crush the leaves for their aroma or use them in potpourris.
• Q: What is the best way to grow lemon eucalyptus from seeds? A: Sow eucalyptus citriodora seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix, gently pressing them in. Keep moist and warm (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) in a bright location. Germination can take a few weeks.
• Q: Is the lemon scented gum deer-resistant? A: Due to its strong aromatic oils, the lemon scented gum is generally considered deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a concern.