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ShrubsConservatory GreenhouseFruit EdibleSynonym

Citrus × meyeri

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
bergamot
bergamot 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 bergamia
Citrus volkameriana
see moreCitrus × meyeri
Citrus × aurantium subsp. bergamia
Citrus limonum
Citrus × limonia

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H2
Botanical details
Family
Rutaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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 peat-free, loam-based potting compost 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

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