Citrus x limon 'Improved Meyer' (Meyer's lemon)

Botanical name

Citrus x limon 'Improved Meyer'

Other names

Meyer's lemon, Dwarf lemon, Dwarf Meyer lemon, Citrus 'Meyer's Lemon', Citrus 'Meyers' , Citrus x limon 'Improved Meyer', Citrus limon 'Meyer Improved'

Genus

Citrus Citrus

Variety or Cultivar

'Improved Meyer' _ 'Improved Meyer' is a compact, rounded, tender, spiny, evergreen tree or large shrub with narrowly ovate, finely toothed, mid- to light green leaves and purple to red-flushed buds opening to fragrant, white flowers from spring to summer followed by spherical to ovoid, yellow, edible fruit with sour, segmented flesh.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Flowers fragrant in spring and lemons have a citrus scent.

Habit

Rounded to broadly spreading

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

White in Spring; White in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars , Fruit tree red spider mite , Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs , Scale insects

General care

Pruning

Thin fruit as required. Pruning group 1. Mature height is dependent upon rootstock. If espaliered, prune to shape in winter.

Propagation

Seedlings will not come true type.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Citrus x limon 'Improved Meyer' (Meyer's lemon) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cake decoration, City, Conservatory, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Indoor, Mediterranean

Cultivation

In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in full sun in well-drained, neutral to slightly acid soil. Moderately drought tolerant but regular water is necessary for good fruit production. Will tolerate partial shade but fruit yields will decline. Rootstock will determine mature height. Choose a tree with a rootstock adapted to the type of soil available. Under glass or indoors, grow in loam-based compost in full light at 3C or higher. Feed every 2-3 weeks. An virus-resistant improvement to 'Meyer'

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Citrus x limon 'Improved Meyer' (Meyer's lemon)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Prodiplosis longifila

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous gall midge present in the Americas; where it causes damage to outdoor and glasshouse crops. Europe-wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Citrus x limon 'Improved Meyer' (Meyer's lemon)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa (all other strains and subspecies)

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range and many sub-species and strains; including those that could thrive in cooler climates; showing different levels of pathogenicity. Although EU regulated; there is some concern about the risk of introduction. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Citrus x limon 'Improved Meyer' (Meyer's lemon)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/