Cymbopogon flexuosus

RHS Plant Profile

Malabar oil

RHS

Conservatory Greenhouse Grass Like Herbs - Culinary

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A fast-growing, densely-tufted, clump-forming evergreen perennial grass, generally grown as an annual, to around 150cm in height, with slender, arching green foliage and cane-like stems, both of which have a strong citrus scent. The lower, fleshy part of the canes are tender and full of flavour and can be used in cooking. The upper part is too fibrous to eat, but can be used to flavour soups and curries

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity: 1–2 years

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1C

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy, Clump forming
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with moderate humidity. May be grown outdoors in summer but overwinter in greenhouse and protect from frost. See 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

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free