About

This robust, bushy evergreen shrub features glossy, elliptic leaves in a deep green hue. Dark pink flower buds develop into small, fragrant white blossoms, which are succeeded by round, yellow fruits that are edible.

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 shade, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs, Fruit Edible

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, 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 at 16°C in spring; seedlings do not come true to type. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

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