Lemongrass’
FAMILY: Cymbopogon
USES: A tropical effect. Used for its year round plume display. Provides movement in the landscape. A great groundcover, en masse, accent, border, kitchen garden, background or foundation plant.
SIZE: Grows 0.6 – 1.0m tall with a clumping spread of 1.2m.
LOCATION: Full sun through to light partial shade. Does well in the more humid coastal locations with protection from direct salt spray. Does not do so well in the open, hot, dry interior desert regions.
SOIL: Best in an organically enriched free draining fertile soil with a pH 5.1 – 8.5, strongly acidic to alkaline.
FERTILISER: Apply a slow release 19:6:12 NPK annually in spring. Over fertilising will promote weak leaves.
WATER: Keep soil moist. Marginally drought tolerant once established, although best appearance is with regular water. Does not accept over irrigation or waterlogged soils which will quickly lead to a straggly plant and root rot.
Wahat Al Sahraa Nurseries, Al Amardi St., Al Khawaneej, P.O. Box 37579, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
