Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, tropical perennial grass renowned for its intense, clean citrus fragrance and essential role in Southeast Asian cuisine. Beyond the kitchen, its elegant, arching blades add a beautiful textural element to the garden. It is a heat-loving plant that thrives in the warmth of the sun and rewards the grower with stalks that can be harvested for fresh teas, soups, curries, and aromatic infusions.
Lemongrass requires full, bright sun and consistent warmth to reach its potential. In regions with freezing winters, it is best grown as a seasonal annual or kept in containers that can be moved indoors before the first frost. It prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil and appreciates regular watering during the heat of summer. With its clumping habit, it becomes a focal point in any sunny garden spot or patio container.