Variegated Lemon Citrus × limon 'Variegata' (F/v)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Variegated Lemon Tree, as commonly known, boasts an eye-catching display of leaves and fruit. The leaves are a blend of green and creamy white, creating a speckled or streaked appearance that stands out amongst purely green foliage. This variegation also extends to the tree's fruit; the lemons it produces have a similar green and creamy white pattern on their rind. The distinctive pattern on the fruit persists even when the lemons are fully ripe, providing a unique decorative element in addition to the fruit's culinary uses. The tree itself is an attractive addition to any gardening space, with its contrasting foliage and vibrant fruit adding a splash of color and interest.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Rutaceae.
- Synonyms
  Variegated Lemon, Variegated Eureka Lemon, Pink Variegated Lemon, Pink-Fleshed Eureka Lemon.
- Common names
  Citrus × limon 'Variegata'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as the variegated lemon tree is not considered toxic to humans. People consume the fruit, and other parts of the plant are not commonly associated with poisoning when handled or ingested in normal, small quantities. However, like with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it's always prudent to be cautious when handling or ingesting plants or their parts for the first time.
- To pets
  The variegated lemon tree is potentially toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. While the flesh of the fruit itself is not highly poisonous, the essential oils and psoralens found in the rind can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, if ingested in significant amounts. The leaves and stems of the plant also contain these compounds. In large enough quantities, more serious symptoms such as depression, low blood pressure, or photosensitivity might occur. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of any part of the variegated lemon tree, it's important to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Variegated
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
- Spread
  10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
- Plant type
  Tree
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Citrus × limon 'Variegata', commonly known as Variegated Lemon, has attractive foliage with green and white patterns, providing visual interest in gardens or as container plants.
- Fragrant Flowers: This plant produces fragrant blossoms that can add a pleasant aroma to the surrounding area.
- Edible Fruit: Variegated Lemon produces edible fruit that has culinary uses, from flavoring dishes to making refreshing lemonade.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, while the dense foliage can offer shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
- Compact Size: Being a smaller citrus variety, it is suitable for smaller gardens or for growing in pots, making it accessible for urban gardeners with limited space.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen foliage, this plant remains attractive throughout the year in appropriate climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for water-wise landscaping.
- Cooling Effect: The plant's transpiration can help to cool the surrounding environment on hot days.
- Learning Opportunity: Growing citrus plants like Variegated Lemon can be an educational experience in understanding plant care and botany.
- Screening Plant: Its dense growth habit can be used to provide privacy or to screen off unsightly views in the garden.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Natural Deterrent: The zest of the lemon can be used to create a natural deterrent for cats and other animals to keep them out of gardens and away from certain areas of your home.
- Photography Aid: Lemon juice can be used to create a natural disappearing ink, perfect for photographers marking negatives or highlighting certain areas of prints without leaving a permanent mark.
- Copper Polish: The acidic nature of the lemon makes it great for cleaning copper items; just rub a cut lemon on the surface to help it regain its shine.
- Plant Dye: The juice, especially when concentrated, can be used in natural dyeing processes to create shades of yellow or to modify other dyes.
- Leather Softener: Lemon juice can help in softening stiff leather goods, but should be used carefully to avoid discoloration.
- Deodorizer: Placing a sliced lemon in a refrigerator or a room can help neutralize unpleasant odors, leaving a fresh citrus scent.
- Humidifier Scents: A few drops of lemon juice in a humidifier can release a pleasant scent into the room, acting as a natural air freshener.
- Firelighters: Dried lemon peels are high in oils that can help to start a fire, acting as natural, fragrant kindling.
- Fountain Cleaner: Lemon juice’s acidic properties can be used to clean deposits in garden fountains and bird baths without harming the wildlife.
- Metal Plant Tags: Writing on metal garden tags with lemon juice can result in a rust-resistant and natural labeling system for garden plants.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Variegated Lemon Tree can be used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy, wealth, and happiness due to its vibrant green leaves and the color yellow of its fruit, which is associated with prosperity. Place the tree in the southeast corner of a garden or living space to enhance abundance.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Variegated Lemon Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing and Purification: As a citrus plant, the variegated lemon commonly symbolizes healing due to its medicinal properties and its ability to purify the body.
- Longevity and Immortality: The evergreen nature of citrus plants, including the variegated lemon, is often associated with longevity and sometimes immortality, symbolizing enduring life and vitality.
- Friendship and Hospitality: The variegated lemon, with its bright fruit, is symbolic of friendship and hospitality, being a welcoming sign when used in decorations or given as a gift.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, citrus trees are believed to bring wealth and prosperity, with the variegated lemon's striking appearance suggesting abundance.
- Love and Fidelity: The strong scent and perennial nature of the variegated lemon might be seen as representing enduring love and fidelity.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Variegated Lemon Tree requires consistent watering to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. Typically, water the tree when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feels dry, which is usually once a week, but this may vary depending on climate and soil drainage. During the warmer months, you may need to water twice a week, while in winter, watering can be reduced. When watering, apply enough water to soak the soil thoroughly; for a potted tree, this might mean using about 1 to 1.5 gallons, ensuring that excess water can freely drain out of the pot.
Light
The Variegated Lemon Tree thrives in full sunlight. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be a south-facing window for indoor plants or an unobstructed area in the garden for outdoors.
Temperature
Optimal temperatures for the Variegated Lemon Tree fall between 65°F and 85°F. It can withstand a minimum temperature down to about 30°F, but frost can damage the tree, while prolonged exposure to temperatures over 100°F may stress it. Position the tree in a location where these temperature ranges can be maintained year-round for best growth.
Pruning
Pruning the Variegated Lemon Tree is necessary to remove dead or damaged limbs, maintain shape, and encourage healthier fruit production. Prune lightly throughout the year to remove any unwanted growth or dead wood, with a more thorough pruning best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Aim to open up the canopy for better light penetration and air circulation.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Variegated Lemon Tree thrives in well-draining, sandy loam with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A soil mix for this citrus plant is best composed of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost to ensure adequate nutrition and drainage.
Repotting
Variegated Lemon Trees should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when roots become pot-bound. Younger trees benefit from more frequent repotting to encourage growth, whereas mature trees can be repotted less often.
Humidity & Misting
Variegated Lemon Trees prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%. Consistent humidity is important for their health and growth, but they can tolerate lower humidity with proper soil moisture management.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, moderate humidity, and regular watering.
- Outdoor
  Place in full sun, protect from frost, and water regularly.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of a Variegated Lemon Tree (Citrus x limon 'Variegata') begins with seed germination; however, cultivars like this are typically propagated vegetatively from cuttings or grafts to maintain variegation. After planting, the sapling goes through a juvenile stage, characterized by leafy growth without flowering for several years. Once it reaches maturity, it begins to flower, usually in spring, with blossoms that are fragrant and may be variegated like the leaves. Following pollination, flowers develop into lemons with green and yellow stripes, which mature over several months before they are ready to harvest. The tree goes through annual cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting, with the fruit typically ripening in winter. As a perennial, the Variegated Lemon Tree can live and continue to produce fruit for many years when properly cared for.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The variegated lemon tree, known as Citrus × limon 'Variegata', is most commonly propagated through grafting, a popular method employed by professional growers and enthusiasts alike. Grafting involves taking a mature, healthy bud or scion from a variegated lemon tree and attaching it to a rootstock of another citrus tree. The best time to graft is typically late winter or early spring, just before the tree begins its growth cycle for the year. This timing allows the graft to heal and establish itself as the temperatures rise. When grafting, it is crucial to properly align the cambium layers of both the scion and rootstock to ensure good vascular connection, which is fundamental for the transfer of nutrients and water. The grafted joint is then securely wrapped and sealed to protect it from pests and diseases until it fully heals and the new plant begins to grow.