Species

Citrus limonLemon

4 other cultivars

tree

Yen Ben Lemon

Citrus limon 'Yen Ben'

The Story

Plant Bio

Citrus × limon, the lemon, is a vigorous evergreen tree native to Asia, valued globally for its acidic, aromatic fruit and glossy dark green foliage. The sweet-scented flowers feature white upper petals and purplish undersides, appearing primarily during the warmer months of spring and summer.

'Yen Ben' is a sport of the 'Lisbon' lemon originating in Queensland, Australia, distinguished by its nearly thornless branches and thin-skinned, highly juicy fruit. The upright, spreading canopy produces bronze-purple new growth that matures into dense, deep green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant white flowers, and bright yellow fruit.

Produces thin-skinned, exceptionally juicy lemons ideal for culinary use, juices, and preserves.

Fragrant blossoms attract honeybees and native insect pollinators to the garden.

SpeciesCitrus limonLemon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

144"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to Pets

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with fertile, well-draining loam or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the graft union remains well above the final soil level.
Water deeply at the base immediately after planting, maintaining consistent moisture without allowing the soil to become waterlogged.
Apply a specialized citrus fertilizer every six to eight weeks throughout the spring and summer growing seasons.

Pro Tip

Never bury the graft union below the soil line when planting; keeping this junction exposed prevents collar rot and subsequent structural decline.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Protect the tree with frost cloth if temperatures threaten to drop below freezing.
Apply organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as regrowth will be slow and patchy.
Do not allow container-grown plants to sit in standing water.
Do not plant the graft union below the soil surface.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeContainer PlantingEspalierEdible Garden

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Origanum vulgare

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yen Ben Lemon questions

What zones can Yen Ben Lemon grow in?

Yen Ben Lemon is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yen Ben Lemon deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Yen Ben Lemon, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Yen Ben Lemon bloom?

Yen Ben Lemon typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Yen Ben Lemon need full sun?

Yen Ben Lemon does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Yen Ben Lemon drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Yen Ben Lemon handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.