Description

Family Rutaceae
Originating from S.E. Asia.

A handsome small evergreen tree that must be the most iconic of all we can grow in our conservatories and in pots outside during the summer, the Lemon has been cultivated since Roman times. Its dense and lush crown of glossy foliage is the perfect foil for the abundant white and deliciously scented flowers, followed by the fruit, ripening over the course of a season to rich yellow. Requiring a warm conservatory for the winter in full light but shade from hot sun, these are easy plants to grow if watered freely in summer, sparingly in winter, and fed with a balanced fertiliser every fortnight in the summer. Although they are not quite hardy enough to survive a British winter, in the most sheltered courtyards, in city centers, or on the coast they will tolerate light frosts.

Height and spread after 10 – 15 years if not pruned 3m x 2m.