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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names lime Adam's apple
Mexican lime
Synonyms Citrus × aurantiifolia
Family Rutaceae
Genus Citrus are typically evergreen shrubs or trees, frequently spiny, with simple, leathery, aromatic leaves, usually with winged stalks, and often fragrant white or pink-tinged flowers, followed by large, juicy fruits
Details C. × aurantiifolia is a spiny evergreen shrub or small tree with aromatic, glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers in late spring or summer, followed by rounded green or greenish-yellow fruit (limes) 4-6cm across
Plant range Tropical Asia
Foliage Evergreen
Habit Bushy
Fragrance Flower
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H2
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect South-facing or West-facing
Exposure Sheltered
Loam
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilLoam
pHAcid, Neutral
Ultimate height 2.5-4 metres
Ultimate spread 1.5-2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
Cultivation Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost such as John Innes No 2 with added grit for drainage in full light, shaded from hot sun. Water freely in growth, mist daily and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks. Once frosts have passed container grown citrus can be stood outside for the summer until autumn. Further citrus cultivation advice
Propagation Propagate by seed at 16°C in spring; seedlings do not come true to type. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types Patio & Container Plants
Pruning Pruning group 1
Pests Glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, scale insects and mealybugs under glass
Diseases Generally disease free
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