About
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.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Grass Like, Herbs - Culinary
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesSub-tropical, Patio and container plants
Native toS India Sri-Lanka
FragranceFoliage, Stem
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with moderate humidity. Follow lemongrass cultivation for more advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate 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
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free