Citrus limon × Citrus paradisi 'Lipo'

Citrus limon × Citrus paradisi 'Lipo'

Citrus ‘Lipo’ is a woody lemon–grapefruit citrus hybrid with glossy aromatic leaves, fragrant white flowers and large yellow fruit. The fruit is bigger and heavier than a standard lemon, with aromatic peel, sharp acidity and a grapefruit-like bitter edge.

In a pot, ‘Lipo’ grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree with a branching crown. Young shoots start flexible and firm up as they mature. A stable container, strong light and regular feeding help the plant make sturdier stems. If a young plant sets too many fruit, remove some early so the stems can carry the weight.

Citrus ‘Lipo’ hybrid fruit and growth habit

• Plant type: Cultivated lemon–grapefruit citrus hybrid.
• Growth habit: Evergreen woody shrub or small tree with a branching crown.
• Leaves: Glossy, aromatic citrus leaves on young shoots that become firmer with age.
• Flowers: Fragrant white flowers from mature growth in bright, warm conditions.
• Fruit: Large yellow fruit with aromatic peel, sharp acidity and a grapefruit-like bitter edge.
• In a pot: Grows well in a movable container that can stand outside in summer and overwinter frost-free.

Citrus ‘Lipo’ hybrid background

Citrus ‘Lipo’ is a cultivated lemon–grapefruit hybrid also known as Imperial Lemon.

Citrus ‘Lipo’ flowering and heavy fruit

‘Lipo’ flowers from mature shoots when the plant has enough light, warmth and healthy roots. The waxy white flowers are scented and may set fruit indoors or in a greenhouse if pollen is moved between open flowers by hand. Outdoors, insects can help with pollination.

Young plants can flower before the branches are strong enough to hold many fruit. If several fruit set on one small branch, remove some early. Fewer fruit give the plant time to build stronger wood and reduce the risk of bent stems.

Citrus ‘Lipo’ care

• Stable pot: Choose a container with enough weight to balance the crown. Large fruit can pull on young branches.
• Heavy fruit: Remove some young fruit if a small plant is carrying too many on slim branches.
• Light: Give as much light as possible. After winter, move the plant into outdoor sun gradually over 1–2 weeks so older leaves adjust.
• Water: Let the upper 3–5 cm of potting mix dry, then water thoroughly. Keep watering more even while flowers and fruit are forming.
• Substrate: Use an open citrus potting mix with mineral grit, pumice, lava, bark or coarse sand. The roots need air as well as moisture.
• Drainage: Use a pot with open drainage holes. Empty decorative outer pots after watering so excess water drains away cleanly.
• Wintering: Move the plant inside before cold nights. A bright, cool spot around 10–12°C is safer than a warm, dim room.
• Feeding: Feed from spring into late summer with a complete citrus fertiliser.
• Pruning: Shorten long shoots after flowering or harvest. Remove weak inner shoots so air can move through the crown.
• Pollination: If the plant flowers indoors or in a greenhouse, move pollen between open flowers with a small brush.
• Repotting: Repot when roots fill the container. Move up by one modest pot size so the fresh mix still dries evenly.

Citrus ‘Lipo’ common problems

• Yellowing leaves: Cold roots, wet potting mix or low fertiliser can all cause pale or yellow leaves.
• Leaf drop after moving: Recent changes in light, temperature or watering are common triggers. Keep the roots lightly moist while the plant settles.
• Fruit dropping early: Young plants often shed fruit when the branches are carrying too much weight. Thin heavy clusters and keep watering steady.
• Sticky leaves: Inspect stems, leaf ribs and leaf undersides for scale insects or aphids. Clean honeydew and treat pests early.
• Soft or sour-smelling potting mix: Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency and refresh compacted mix during active growth.

Citrus ‘Lipo’ safety

Keep citrus peel, fallen leaves and cut stems away from pets. The aromatic oils in citrus plant parts can cause stomach upset if ingested, and fresh cuts or damaged peel can irritate skin.