About
Citrus medica (F) is a robust, spiny evergreen shrub characterized by its broad, dark green leaves. It produces small clusters of aromatic white flowers, measuring about 3.5 cm in diameter, which have a subtle pink hue on the outside. The plant bears elongated yellow fruits resembling lemons, reaching lengths of up to 30 cm.
About the genus
Citrus consists mainly of evergreen shrubs and trees, which are often armed with spines. They feature simple, leathery leaves that release a pleasing fragrance, typically borne on winged petioles. The plants produce aromatic flowers that are usually white or have a hint of pink, which are succeeded by sizable, juicy fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Fruit Edible, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen (lemon and lime-bearing Citrus only). Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- 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
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed (seedlings will not come true to type) or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to citrus red spider mite and glasshouse red spider mite, soft scale and fluted scale, aphids, caterpillars and mealybugs under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free