Variegated Pink Lemon | Potted Citrus Trees

The Variegated Pink Lemon Tree

The Variegated Pink Lemon, sometimes called Pink Lemonade or Variegated Eureka Lemon, is a variation of Eureka lemon with light pink flesh and variegated leaves and rind. Juice found in the grocery store advertised as ‘pink lemonade’ does not come from this tree. Those products get their pink color from artificial dye.

This variegated version of the Eureka grows much smaller than its counterpart. Why? Only the green on the leaf is capable of photosynthesis. Consequently, there’s less possible surface area for photosynthesis to take place. This means less growth and a smaller tree.

Basic Information

Common Name	Variegated Pink Lemon
Botanical Name	Citrus limon ‘Variegated Pink’
Location of Origin	Burbank, California
USDA Zones	9-10
Can be grown in containers?	Yes

Fruit Characteristics

Fruit Size	Medium-Small
Fruit Shape	Round, Oval
Fruit Flavor	Sour just like normal lemon
Rind Thickness	Average
Rind Texture	Slightly Rough
Rind Color	Yellow
Flesh Color	White Yellow
Easy to Peel?	Average
Seeds	Few

Tree Details

Has Thorns?	Yes
Foliage Color	Green
Foliage Size	Medium
Flower Color	Pale Pink
Flower Size	Medium-Large
Mature Tree Height in Ground	4′ – 6′
Fruit Bearing Age	3-4 years old
Alternate Bearing?	No
Heat to Sweeten Fruit?	No

Growing Conditions

Temperature	Hardy to 32 ºF
Self-fertile?	Yes
Sunlight Required	Full Sun
Bloom Season in Minnesota	Year Round
Harvest Season in Minnesota	Year Round
Average Spring/Summer Watering	Once every 1-2 weeks, more often when hot
Average Fall/Winter Watering	Once every 3 weeks

Guides for Growing in Containers

Images

The colors of new leaves transforms as they grow out. Green to pink then to a zebra-like light green/white pattern aka variegated. — The colors of new leaves transform as they grow out. Green to pink then to a zebra-like light green/white pattern aka variegated.

3 year old variegated lemon tree in grow mode — A 3-year-old variegated lemon tree during July in Minnesota. These lemon trees tend to grow out more than up.

The color difference between new variegated leaves and new leaves — Despite all pictured foliage being variegated, the older leaves (the ones closest to the trunk) are much darker than the new growth. There are two branches. The new branch came out of where the pruners cut the older branch. The new branch pretty much followed the same path outwards. That’s why it almost looks like one branch.

Pink buds on variegated lemon tree in late August 2018 — Pink buds on the variegated lemon tree in late August 2018

Notes

Late summer and early fall there were several new shoots and clusters of buds. Mid-September there were more buds.