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where to buy lemongrass plants

If you’re searching for where to buy lemongrass plants (Cymbopogon citratus) for your New Zealand garden, you’re in the right place. As a fragrant herb with both culinary and ornamental appeal, lemongrass is in high demand from home cooks, tea drinkers, and gardeners who want a lush, tropical vibe in their outdoor space. This page offers expert tips on selecting lemongrass plants, essential planting advice, and recommends other companion grasses that can help bring your garden to life.

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, Lemongrass Grass, Citronella Grass, Lemon Grass, Citratus cymbopogon, Cymbopogon citratus Plant, Citronella Grass Plant, Citronella Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus (aka Andropogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass Grass or Citronella Grass, grows as a clump and produces flavoursome and aromatic, green-blue leaves that are held with a graceful arch. Lemongrass typically grows to 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide, performing best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site. It is tolerant of short periods of dry and light frost only. Cymbopogon citratus is commonly included in herb and cottage gardens, maintained in a container, planted as a border, or included in a mixed planting. The shoots have insect repellent properties and health benefits.

cymbopogon-citratus-4
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Grasses
  • Height:
    70 cm
  • Spread:
    60 cm
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Containers, Culinary, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

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Why Plant Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) in Your Garden?

Lemongrass isn’t just a striking upright grass with vibrant green blades—it’s also a culinary staple in Southeast Asian cooking and a source of soothing herbal tea. Known for its sweet citrus aroma, lemongrass thrives in sunny, well-draining spots across much of New Zealand. If you’re wondering where to buy lemongrass plants, reputable plant nurseries will offer strong, healthy seedlings ready to take off in your herb or ornamental beds.

Choosing the Best Lemongrass Plants

To reap the most aromatic leaves and stems, it's best to buy lemongrass as potted plants rather than seeds. Look for starters with bright, upright foliage and healthy root systems. For gardeners seeking where to buy lemongrass plants, ideally choose nurseries that can offer Cymbopogon citratus rather than the less flavourful decorative types. Plant them in spring or early summer after any danger of frost.

How to Plant and Care for Lemongrass

Lemongrass prefers full sun and moist, free-draining soil. Space your plants at least 60cm apart to give those grassy clumps plenty of space to thrive. Mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, and feed regularly with a liquid fertiliser. If you’re looking to create a textured planting alongside your lemongrass, native and exotic grasses like Lachnagrostis billardierei (Sand Wind Grass) or Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) can add striking visual contrast.

Lemongrass in Edible and Ornamental Gardens

One of the top reasons gardeners ask where to buy lemongrass plants is their unique versatility. Design a culinary herb patch with lemongrass as the tall centrepiece, or weave it through a low-maintenance grass border. For more variety, try pairing lemongrass with accent plants such as Miscanthus 'Morning Light', the golden-striped Acorus Mini Gold (Golden Sweet Flag), or New Zealand natives like Carex appressa (Tall Sedge).

Where to Buy Lemongrass Plants in New Zealand

When you’re ready to buy lemongrass, choose a nursery that specializes in healthy, proven varieties of Cymbopogon citratus. Buying online gives you access to a wider range of quality-accredited nurseries. Always check that your lemongrass plants are suitable for New Zealand conditions, and don’t hesitate to browse our collection for more inspiration, including unique grasses such as Lachnagrostis billardierei (Sand Wind Grass) and Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush).

Bring a refreshing aroma and edible flair to your garden—now you know exactly where to buy lemongrass plants in New Zealand. Ready to start your planting project? Discover your favourite combination of ornamental and edible grasses today.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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