About

Citrus x floridana 'Lakeland' is a limequat variety known for its small, edible fruits with a thin skin that transition from green to yellow as they mature and can be eaten whole. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped. This cultivar produces fragrant white flowers that can appear throughout the year, but typically bloom from late spring to autumn. Compared to other limequats, 'Lakeland' yields slightly larger fruits and contains fewer seeds.

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
Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Fruit Edible, Shrubs, Trees, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
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 semi-hardwood cuttings and grafting
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free