In its natural habitat it can reach 20 metres in height but is often smaller. In cultivation it rarely exceeds about 5 metres.
White flowers occur in clusters at the ends of the branches in summer through to autumn.
Although the flowers are attractive, the plant is grown more for the lemon fragrance of the foliage. When crushed, the leaves emit a very strong aroma which would rival any member of the citrus family. B.citriodora is a hardy plant which tolerates all but the poorest drained soils. It can be slow growing but responds well to slow release fertilisers. Like many other rainforest species, it has also been successfully cultivated indoors.