Description
Variegated Pink Lemon—often called Pink Lemonade Lemon—is a true lemon prized as much for its beauty as its fruit. Cream-and-green variegated leaves, pink new growth, and striped lemons make this one of the most visually distinctive citrus trees available.
The fruit delivers classic lemon flavor and acidity, with pale pink flesh and a lightly striped rind while ripening. Beyond its looks, this variety is valued for reliable production and its ability to perform well in containers or warm-climate plantings.
Overview
- True lemon with classic tart lemon flavor.
- Pink-tinged flesh and striped rind.
- Variegated foliage with ornamental appeal.
- Few seeds.
- Self-fertile.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Citrus limon ’Variegated Pink’
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: Best suited to USDA Zones 8–11; protect from freezing temperatures
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity:
• Flying Dragon: Typically 6–8 ft tall and wide
• C-35: Typically 10–12 ft tall and wide
Note: Trees grown in containers remain smaller and are easily maintained with pruning.
Bloom Time: Spring, with additional blooms possible in warm climates
Ripening Time: Peak season late winter through early summer
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Seed Content: Few seeds
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other citrus; good airflow and drainage reduce issues
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Variegated Pink Lemon originated as a natural bud mutation of a Eureka lemon and is propagated as a chimera—this is why the leaves, rind, and flesh all show stable variegation and pink coloration.
- Regional Insight: Performs best in warm citrus climates; container growing allows success in cooler regions with winter protection.
- Explore more lemon and lime varieties in our collection: Limes & Lemons
