Species

Citrus limonLemon

4 other cultivars

tree

Lisbon Lemon

Citrus limon 'Lisbon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Citrus limon is a vigorous, dense evergreen tree native to Asia, featuring leathery dark green leaves with winged petioles and sharp thorns along the branches. The species produces highly fragrant flowers that are purplish-pink in bud and open to white with yellow stamens, followed by acidic, yellow-skinned fruits.

'Lisbon' is a vigorous, upright cultivar known for its dense, somewhat open canopy and heavy winter-to-spring crop of classic lemons. New foliage emerges with a distinct bronze to reddish-purple flush, adding ornamental value before maturing to deep green.

Uses & Benefits:

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

Produces a heavy crop of acidic, high-juice lemons ideal for culinary use.

Fragrant blossoms attract honeybees and native bee species for pollination.

SpeciesCitrus limonLemon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

160"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full-sun location receiving at least six to eight hours of direct daily sunlight.
Ensure the soil is highly permeable, such as a fertile loam or sandy loam, to prevent waterlogging.
Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer high in nitrogen and trace elements three times per year in early spring, summer, and early fall.
Provide consistent moisture, watering deeply when the top few inches of soil dry out, especially during fruit development.

Pro Tip

Prune minimally in spring immediately after the main harvest; cutting heavily into old, leafless wood results in poor recovery and patchy regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune out dead, diseased, or crossing branches in spring to maintain an open canopy.
Protect young trees and developing fruit from freezing temperatures below 32°F.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk, to retain moisture.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, as poor drainage causes root rot.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, which lacks active buds for regrowth.
Do not use high-phosphorus fertilizers, opting instead for balanced citrus-specific formulations.

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 TreeEdible GardenEspalierScreeningContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Salvia officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lisbon Lemon questions

What zones can Lisbon Lemon grow in?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon Lemon deer resistant?

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

When does Lisbon Lemon bloom?

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

Does Lisbon Lemon need full sun?

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