Eucalyptus citriodora Seeds | Lemon Eucalyptus
LATIN NAME: Eucalyptus citriodora
COMMON NAME: Lemon Eucalyptus
Plant Profile
Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) is a tree in the myrtle family, native to Australia with smooth pink, gray or green bark that sheds in spring. It likes sun, and light, well-drained soil. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Eucalyptus citriodora sits in the myrtle family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. In myrtle family, lemon eucalyptus has a recognised place in studies of fast-growing timber trees and aromatic oils, and species appears in research on citronellal-rich leaf oils and warm, dry growth. Raising it from seed today is a matter of ordinary good practice rather than specialist skill.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Lemon Eucalyptus for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In warm garden, lemon eucalyptus lemons air with fresh scent. Leaves yield oils for soaps, lotions and natural repellents, smooth, peeling bark sheds in long strips, and tree grows fast into grand, stately form. It stands warm, dry spells and grows in light, well-drained, sunny ground. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Eucalyptus oil, rich in cineole, is a pharmacy standard in chest rubs, inhalants and lozenges for respiratory comfort, and the genus supplies honey, timber and the world’s most planted hardwoods. The oil is for external and properly diluted use only.
Growing from Seed
Lemon Eucalyptus is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Once established, Lemon Eucalyptus largely looks after itself. Sun, free drainage and a patient first year are all it really requires.
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