Lemon Grass

Plant name: Lemon Grass

Scientific name: Cymbopogon citratus

Plant description:
Lemon grass is a fast-growing tropical ornamental grass valued for its strong citrus fragrance and culinary use. This clumping grass forms dense, upright fans of arching foliage and thickened, pale green stalk bases used in cooking. It grows vigorously in warm conditions and performs well in containers, raised beds, and in-ground herb gardens with proper drainage.

Flower description:
Flowering is uncommon in cultivated plants, especially outside tropical climates. When it does bloom, lemon grass produces loose, airy panicles typical of ornamental grasses. The flowers are not considered ornamental and the plant is primarily grown for foliage and edible stems.

Leaf description:
Leaves are long, narrow, and blade-like with sharp edges and a bright green to bluish-green color. Foliage releases a strong lemon scent when crushed. Leaves can reach 2–4 feet long and emerge tightly from thick, layered stalk bases.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen perennial in warm climates; grown as an annual in cooler regions.

USDA grow zones:
Zones 9–11 as a perennial; grown as a seasonal annual or container plant in colder zones.

Mature height and width:
3–5 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide.

Landscape uses:
Used as a culinary herb, aromatic foliage plant, and structural accent in herb gardens and edible landscapes. Suitable for large containers, patio planters, and mixed tropical-style plantings. The bold upright form adds movement and texture to garden beds.

Native range:
Native to tropical South and Southeast Asia.

Sun exposure:
Full sun is required for strong growth and thick stalk development. Plants need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light results in thin, weak growth.

Water requirements:
Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply during active growth, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid prolonged waterlogged conditions, which can cause root decline.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance with few pest issues. Occasional aphids or spider mites may appear, especially in dry indoor conditions. Poor drainage can lead to root rot. Cold stress may cause leaf browning.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Highly tolerant of heat and intense summer sun when adequately watered. Performs best in consistently warm temperatures above 70°F.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to frost. Foliage damage occurs below 40°F, and hard freezes can kill the plant. In colder climates, grow in containers and move indoors before freezing temperatures.

Growing tips:
Plant lemon grass in fertile, well-draining soil amended with compost for steady growth. Harvest outer stalks at the base once they are thick and firm. Regular trimming encourages fresh, tender growth. In containers, choose a large pot to accommodate its expanding root system. Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support vigorous foliage and strong stalk production.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.