Cymbopogon citratus
lemon grass
A densely-tufted, clump-forming, evergreen grass with hollow, cane-like stems and erect to arching, narrow, strongly lemon-scented, pale blue-green leaves up to 90cm long. Flowers are green and pinkish brown, in loose, branched sprays in late summer and autumn, but rarely appear under glass
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green Blue | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Brown | Green Blue | |
| Autumn | Green | Green Brown | Green Blue | |
| Winter | Green | Green Blue |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cymbopogon are sturdy, aromatic, tufted, evergreen, perennial grasses with linear to lance-shaped, mid- to bluish-green leaves and many-branched flower sprays. They contain essential oils that have medicinal, culinary and cosmetic uses
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S India Sri-Lanka
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based compost in full light with moderate humidity. Follow lemongrass cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in early spring, or by division in late spring. Fresh shoots sold for cooking will often root successfully. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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