Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Rutaceae
Botanical Name
CITRUS limon 'Variegated Pink Eureka'
Plant Common Name
Lemon, Variegated Pink Eureka Lemon
General Description
Admired for its variegated foliage and nearly seedless, pink-fleshed, market-quality lemons, ‘Variegated Pink Eureka’ is a newer sport of the very old-fashioned cultivar 'Eureka', which was first introduced in the late 1850s. This small evergreen tree has an open crown, almost thornless green branches and thick glossy green leaves with ivory and pale green edges.
When conditions are favorable it puts forth fragrant, waxy white flowers. These are followed by oblong, waxy, yellow and green striated fruits with a high acid content and pink-hued flesh.
Most citrus trees are only hardy in southern climates and the lemon is no exception. In fact, ‘Variegated Pink Eureka’ is particularly cold-sensitive and loses vigor where subjected to small bouts of cold.
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
10 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 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
7'-15' / 2.1m - 4.6m (8)
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Width
7'-15' / 2.1m - 4.6m (7)
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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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
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Green
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Fruit Color Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Bark Color
Green, Gray Green, Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
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