We continue our exploration of easy-to-grow-organically native herbs with Backhousia citriodora aka lemon myrtle.
Lemon myrtle is known as the ‘Queen of the Lemon Herbs’ due to its intensely citrus fragrance and flavour. The fresh tangy leaves may be used in teas, syrups, glazes, cakes, biscuits, dressings, sauces, ice creams, dips and meat dishes.
In the wild, lemon myrtle grows in the subtropical rainforests of central and south-eastern Queensland. It has long been used in Aboriginal cuisine and medicine and essential oil distilled from the leaves not only smells divine but has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
How to Grow and Use Lemon Myrtle
Harvesting is simple. Pluck fresh leaves as needed, removing no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Lemon myrtle can grow up to three metres tall in suburbia but may be kept small in pots. It prefers a warm, sunny or shaded spot sheltered from cold winds. Grow in a well-drained soil, but keep well-watered throughout the year.
Lemon myrtle attracts birds and bees to its cream-coloured autumn flowers. With its elegant branches of glossy green foliage and fragrant blooms, it’s perfect as an ornamental shade tree, large shrub, potted specimen or even a hedge.
Lemon myrtle – useful, beautiful, delicious and healthy!
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- Be Uplifted Co-Founder Honoured With OAM
- Toombul Shopping Centre’s Redevelopment Plans Move Forward
- Boccia Players Aim for Gold, Bond For Life
- Margarita Masterclass Shakes Things Up Again
- The Benefits of Forest Bathing Yoga
- UpStage Theatre Unleashes The Hound of the Baskervilles
- The Rise, Rebranding and Integration of Kedron Shire
- The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation Says Sweet Goodbye to Ekka Sundaes
- Friends of Lutwyche Cemetery
- Fashique Runway 2025
- Step into Nature: Your Guide to Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
- Warehouse Cricket Secures Funding for New Facilities
- Aspley Rotary Expands Volunteer Opportunities
- SpikyPuffer