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.

Citrus x limon 'Improved Meyer' is: Evergreen

Fragrance

Flowers fragrant in spring and lemons have a citrus scent.

Habit

Rounded to broadly spreading

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Flower

White in Spring; White in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

Watch out for

Specific pests

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

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)