Common Name: lemon grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Native Range: India to Vietnam
Zone: 8 to 11
Height: 3.00 to 5.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Yellow-brown
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual, Herb, Rain Garden
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Fragrant, Evergreen
Tolerate: Air Pollution
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, rich, well-draining, sandy loams in full sun. Propagate through seed or division. Seeds require light and warmth to germinate. Divide clumps at least every three years to maintain vigor. Hardy in Zones 8-11. Frost will cause the above ground growth to die back, but new growth will emerge in spring. Evergreen in frost-free climates. Can be grown as an annual or potted plant brought indoors for winter in colder climates.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cymbopogon flexuosus, commonly called East Indian lemongrass, cochin, or simply lemongrass, is a perennial, clump-forming grass native to Southeast Asia but cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical areas for its fragrant foliage. Mature plants will reach 3-5' tall with a 3' spread and an upright to arching foliage. The narrow, linear, strap-like leaves emerge from firm, round culms (stems) and have sharp, finely serrated margins. Drooping, compound panicles of yellow-brown spikelets emerge seasonally, typically only in frost-free climates, and are not considered ornamentally significant.
Genus name comes from the Greek words kymbe meaning "boat" and pogon meaning "beard", in reference to the morphology of the inflorescences of members of this genus.
The specific epithet flexuosus means "wavy", "bent", or "zig-zagged", in reference to the arrangement of the branches that make up the compound inflorescences.
The common name East Indian lemongrass refers to the native range of this species.
Problems
Rust is known to be a problem on lemongrass, but Cymbopogon flexuosus is widely considered more resistant to rust diseases compared to C. citratus. Spider mites can be a major pest on plants overwintering indoors.
Uses
Herb garden, mixed borders, large containers. A source of lemongrass oil. The fibrous stems are used to flavor soups, stews, curries, marinades, and other dishes, and are typically removed prior to serving unless finely minced or ground.