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Meyer Lemon Bush
Grows in a pot, almost anywhere
Fruit & Citrus

Meyer Lemon Bush

4.9/5 8 reviews
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 9–11 outdoors; or Zones 4–8 if overwintered indoors.

Can't ship to California, Florida, or Georgia.

Size: 5 gallon
$120 $150

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Root ball wrapped and zip-tied so the soil stays put
  • Packed so the tree stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate growth rate; reaches 4–6 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide when mature
Botanical name
Citrus × meyeri ‘Improved’
Hardiness
Zones 9–11 outdoors; or Zones 4–8 if overwintered indoors.
Tolerates
Heat tolerantHumidity tolerantCoastal tolerant
USDA zone map for Meyer Lemon Bush

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

Not sure it'll thrive where you live?Real people who answer questions before and after planting.
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What customers are saying

4.9
out of 5 · 8 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Fruit you grow yourself

Fresh citrus from your own patio or sunny window.

Grows in a pot

Patio in summer, sunny window in winter.

Fragrant blooms

White blossoms with a sweet citrus scent.

Healthy, well-rooted trees

Hand-selected from trusted growers and shipped to your door.

Care made simple

If you can keep a houseplant happy, you can grow citrus.

Sun
6–8 hrs direct

A sunny patio, or your brightest window in winter.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Skip it if the soil still feels moist.

Feed
3 times a year

Citrus fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer and early fall.

Cold
Inside below 32°F

Bring the pot indoors before a freeze.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Unbox and water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    A few dropped leaves is normal while it settles in.

  3. 3Month 3

    First feeding. Hold off on fertilizer until then.

  4. 4Spring

    Fragrant white blooms.

  5. 5Harvest season

    Pick fruit when it is fully colored and gives a little.

Planting instructions
Plant your Meyer Lemon Bush in a sunny location with well-drained soil. For containers, use a large pot with drainage holes and a citrus-specific or well-draining mix. Dig a hole just as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill, water thoroughly, and apply mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk. If container-grown, gradually transition the plant outdoors in spring and bring it indoors before the first frost in fall.
Watering & sunlight
Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Typically every 5–7 days in warm weather; less frequently in winter or when indoors. Meyer Lemon Bush requires full sun for best fruit production. At least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day is ideal, whether outdoors or in a bright indoor location.
Pruning, feeding & winter care

PRUNING:
Prune lightly after fruiting or in early spring to shape and remove any leggy or damaged growth. Helps maintain its bushy form and airflow within the canopy.

FERTILIZING:
Feed with a citrus-specific fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). Reduce or pause feeding in winter months. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In Zones below 9, move container-grown plants indoors before frost. Indoors, place in a sunny location and reduce watering while growth slows.

Shipping & what's inside

Your tree ships in its nursery pot with the root ball wrapped in a protective liner and zip-tied, so the soil stays in and the tree stays steady.

1-year guarantee

Every tree is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Meyer Lemon Bush get?
The Meyer Lemon Bush typically grows to about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide when grown in a container, and up to 6 feet tall if planted in the ground. Its naturally compact, bushy shape makes it perfect for patios, sunny porches, or indoor spaces with good light.
How fast does the Meyer Lemon Bush grow?
The Meyer Lemon Bush has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 12 to 24 inches per year under ideal conditions. With full sun, regular feeding, and proper watering, it fills out quickly and begins producing fruit sooner than most citrus varieties.
Where is the best place to plant the Meyer Lemon Bush?
Choose a sunny, sheltered location that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Whether in a container or in the ground, Meyer Lemons need well-draining soil and protection from harsh winds or frost. Ideal for USDA Zones 9–11 outdoors, or anywhere if grown in a pot that can be moved inside during winter.
How do I plant the Meyer Lemon Bush in a container?
Here’s how to successfully grow your Meyer Lemon Bush in a pot:
1. Use a container at least 16–20 inches wide and deep, with drainage holes.
2. Fill with well-draining, citrus-specific or cactus-style soil.
3. Plant so the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Water thoroughly after planting and place the pot in a sunny location.
5. Use a rolling plant stand if you plan to move it indoors during winter.

Container-grown bushes are ideal for cooler zones or small spaces.
Can I plant the Meyer Lemon Bush in the ground?
Yes, if you live in Zones 9–11, you can plant your Meyer Lemon Bush directly in the ground. Choose a sunny, south-facing spot with well-draining soil. Avoid low areas where water collects, and space the plant at least 3 to 5 feet from nearby structures for good airflow. In colder zones, it’s best to keep it in a container that can be moved indoors during winter.
How do I prune the Meyer Lemon Bush?
Prune your Meyer Lemon Bush to maintain shape, encourage airflow, and boost fruit production:
• Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Remove any crossing branches, suckers, or leggy stems.
• Lightly shape to maintain a rounded, compact form.
• Avoid cutting healthy fruiting wood unless necessary.

Pruning regularly encourages fuller growth and makes harvesting easier.
How do I care for the Meyer Lemon Bush?
Meyer Lemon Bushes are easy to care for with the right conditions:
• Light: Needs 6–8 hours of full sun daily
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; water when the top 2 inches feel dry
• Soil: Use well-draining, slightly acidic soil
• Fertilizer: Feed with a citrus-specific fertilizer monthly during the growing season
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity—indoors, mist or use a humidity tray
• Pruning: Light pruning helps maintain shape and airflow

With proper care, it rewards you with fragrant flowers and sweet, juicy lemons.
How do I winterize a Meyer Lemon Bush?
If you live in a colder zone (below USDA Zone 9), bring your potted Meyer Lemon Bush indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F:
• Place near a south-facing window for maximum light
• Supplement with a grow light if sunlight is limited
• Reduce watering slightly—only water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
• Avoid drafts or heat vents, which can stress the plant
• Consider misting the leaves to maintain humidity

Move it back outside in spring once nighttime temps are consistently above 50°F.
What size pot do I need for the Meyer Lemon Bush?
The Meyer Lemon Bush comes in a 5-gallon nursery pot (about 12 inches wide and tall). For best growth, we suggest choosing a pot that’s 2–4 inches larger on all sides, or roughly 14–16 inches in diameter and depth.
When does the Meyer Lemon Bush start fruiting?
A healthy Meyer Lemon Bush typically begins producing fruit within 1 to 2 years of planting, especially if purchased as a mature grafted plant. After blooming, fruit takes about 6 to 9 months to ripen, often resulting in lemons ready to harvest in late fall to early winter.
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