John Rickard
Family
Rutaceae
Botanical Name
CITRUS limon 'Eureka'
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Eureka Lemon, Lemon
General Description
Best known for its nearly seedless, market-quality lemons, ‘Eureka’ is a very old-fashioned cultivar that was first introduced in the late 1850s and is thought to have originated from Italian lines. This small evergreen tree has an open crown, almost thornless green branches and thick glossy green leaves.
When conditions are favorable it puts forth fragrant, waxy white flowers. These are followed by oblong, waxy, yellow, thick-skinned fruits with a high acid content.
Most citrus trees are only hardy in southern climates and the lemon is no exception. In fact, ‘Eureka’ is particularly cold-sensitive and loses vigor where subjected to bouts of cold weather.
This tree requires full sun and thrives where summers are hot. It grows best in slightly acidic, average soil with good drainage. Outside of the citrus grove, lemons may be planted as specimen trees and dwarf selections may be container grown outdoors or in a sunny conservatory. In conservatories lemons will bloom and produce fruit year-round.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m
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Width
5'-7' / 1.5m - 2.1m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Edible, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
