Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf
Synonym: Andropogon citratus
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Recommended Temperature Zone:|
Frost Tolerance: Quite tender in Phoenix and Las Vegas
Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Origin: C. flexuosus: India, Sri Lanka, C. citratus: Indonesia, Malaysia
Growth Habits: Perennial grass, leaves 3' to 6'.
Watering Needs: Regular water in Summer
Propagation: Division of clumps
The Lemon Grass needs protection from frost in winter. To be safe, it might be a good idea to keep a division in a warm area over winter. The clump at my house has been growing on the north side of my house for 3 years, in a shady area. It is protected from frost by overhead vegetation. My feeling is that it is a fairly tough plant that is doing well without much care.
It will grow much better with regular watering in summer, takes well to irregular watering in winter. A small clump of Lemon Grass planted in spring will give you a large scented clump by fall to harvest. The grass can be used to make lemon tea, lemonade, or Asian cooking.
Propagate by division of clumps in the fall or early spring.