Yes. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tender perennial grass: in warm, frost-free climates it can live and regrow for several years, while cold winters usually kill it outdoors. Gardeners in chilly regions can still grow it as an annual or bring it inside for winter.
What “Perennial” Means for Lemongrass
A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years, typically resuming growth after a dormant or slower season. Lemongrass is a clump-forming tropical grass, not a woody shrub. In suitable warmth, its roots and basal stems survive and produce fresh leaves; the upper foliage may become damaged by cold or trimmed back without necessarily killing the plant.
The important qualification is “tender.” Lemongrass is adapted to warm conditions and does not reliably tolerate freezing weather. Its perennial status therefore depends on climate: it behaves as a persistent garden plant in frost-free areas, but in colder places it is often treated as a seasonal crop unless protected or overwintered indoors.
Climate and Winter Survival
Lemongrass grows best in a long, warm season with plentiful sun. It is commonly grown outdoors year-round in tropical and subtropical climates. In temperate gardens, it can thrive through summer, but a hard frost can kill it, especially when the root area is exposed to prolonged cold or wet soil.
There is no single winter rule that fits every garden. A brief cool spell is different from repeated freezes, and a sheltered, well-drained spot may give a plant a better chance than an exposed bed. Still, do not count on an unprotected plant surviving freezing conditions. If winter temperatures fall below freezing, plan to move a potted plant indoors or protect a garden plant by lifting and potting a division before cold weather arrives.
In areas where the plant survives but becomes ragged, remove dead or badly damaged leaves when growth resumes. Avoid cutting into the firm base unnecessarily; new shoots emerge from the clump’s lower growth points.
How to Grow It as a Perennial
Give lemongrass a sunny position and warm conditions. It grows into a substantial clump, so leave room for it to spread, or use a container to keep its size manageable. A pot also makes it easier to relocate the plant when the weather turns cold.
- Light: Choose full sun where possible. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help reduce stress.
- Soil: Use fertile, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture supports leafy growth, but waterlogged roots are undesirable.
- Water: Water regularly during active growth, adjusting for rainfall and soil. Container plants generally dry faster than plants in the ground.
- Feeding: During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer used according to its label can support growth. Avoid excessive feeding, which is unnecessary for a healthy plant.
- Space: Allow for a broad clump, or grow it in a roomy pot with drainage holes.
In cold-winter regions, plant it outside after the danger of frost has passed and the weather is consistently warm. Before autumn cold arrives, either harvest and discard it as an annual, or save a healthy clump indoors. Reduce watering indoors because growth slows in lower light and cooler conditions, but do not let the roots dry out completely. Return the plant outdoors gradually in spring after frost risk has passed.
Perennial, Annual, or Houseplant?
These labels describe how gardeners manage lemongrass, not different kinds of plant. In a frost-free landscape, it is a perennial. In a place with freezing winters, it may be grown as an annual, even though it is botanically perennial, because it cannot survive the local winter outside. Indoors, it can be maintained as a potted perennial if it receives adequate light and warmth, though growth may be slower than outdoors.
A useful choice depends on your priorities:
- For the least winter work: Grow it as a summer annual and harvest before frost.
- To keep the same plant: Grow it in a container and bring it indoors before freezing weather.
- For a large, established clump: Grow it in the ground in a reliably warm climate, where it can expand over time.
Do not confuse lemongrass with citronella grass, a related grass often grown for its scented foliage. They are different plants and are not interchangeable in recipes. Check the botanical name when buying plants or seeds if you want culinary lemongrass.
Harvesting and Dividing a Mature Clump
The useful culinary part is the lower, pale portion of the stalk. Harvest individual outer stalks when the plant is well established, cutting or twisting them near the base without damaging the whole crown. The leaves are aromatic too and can be used to infuse liquids, though they are fibrous and are generally removed before serving.
A mature clump can be divided to make new plants. In warm weather, lift a section with roots attached and replant it promptly in moist, well-drained soil. Divisions are also a practical way to save a plant before winter: pot a rooted section and move it indoors. Allow space and time for a young division to establish before harvesting heavily.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
The most common reason lemongrass fails to return is cold damage, not that the plant is naturally annual. Poor drainage can also harm roots, while too little sun or a short, cool growing season may result in a small plant with few harvestable stalks. Container plants can suffer if their pots dry quickly during hot weather.
Another misconception is that lemongrass will repel mosquitoes simply because it smells like lemon. The plant’s scent comes from aromatic compounds, but growing it in a garden is not a dependable substitute for proven mosquito bite-prevention measures. Likewise, lemongrass tea or cooking use does not change the plant’s winter hardiness: climate and protection determine whether it survives as a perennial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will lemongrass come back every year?
It can, if the roots survive winter. In frost-free climates it commonly regrows, but an unprotected plant may not return after freezing weather.
Can lemongrass survive winter in a pot?
It can be overwintered indoors. Bring the pot inside before frost, give it the brightest suitable light, and water less as growth slows. Outdoor pots are more exposed to cold than garden soil.
Should I cut lemongrass back in winter?
Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed, particularly when new growth begins. In cold regions, it is often easiest to trim the plant during spring cleanup rather than cutting it severely before winter.
Can I grow lemongrass as an annual?
Yes. Plant it after frost danger has passed, harvest stalks through the warm season, and treat it as an annual when you do not plan to protect it for winter.
How do I keep lemongrass alive indoors?
Use a pot with drainage, provide the brightest available light and a warm location, and water when the soil begins to dry rather than keeping it saturated. Expect slower growth than in summer outdoors.