Citrus × limon (F)
lemon
A shrub or small tree to 4m tall, with spiny branches and oval, glossy, dark green leaves to 10cm long. From spring to summer it bears fragrant white flowers to 5cm across; these are followed by broadly ovoid, yellow fruits. Lemons are best grown in a cool or temperate greenhouse or conservatory and moved outside during the summer months. C. x limon is an ancient hybrid, derived from several wild species, and has given rise to many cultivated varieties.
Other common names
bergamotbergamot orange
see moreChinese dwarf lemon
dwarf lemon
lemandarin
mandarin lime
medicinal bergamot
Meyer lemon
Otaheita rangpur
Otaheite orange
Otaite orange
rangpur
rangpur lime
Synonyms
Citrus bergamiaCitrus volkameriana
see moreCitrus × meyeri
Citrus × aurantium subsp. bergamia
Citrus limonum
Citrus × limonia
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | Yellow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Yellow | |
| Autumn | White | Green | Yellow | |
| Winter | Green | Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of loam-based potting compost (JI No. 2) with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring. Sow seed at 16°C in spring; seedlings do not come true to type
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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