Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - August 03, 2009
From: Danvers, IL
Region: Midwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Growing a non-native lemon tree in Central Illinois
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
How to grow a lemon tree in Central Illinois? Which one would be the best to grow?ANSWER:
How would we grow a lemon tree in Central Illinois? Well, we wouldn't, for several reasons. In the first place, Citrus limon, lemon tree, is thought to have originated in India, and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas. At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we are dedicted to the use, care and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown. In the second place, we don't really think Danvers, IL qualifies as a tropical or sub-tropical area, do you? From Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture, here is an article on Home Fruit Production - Lemons by Julian W. Sauls.
At OnlineTips.org, we found this article Lemon Tree Planting Tips, where you can find suggestions for growing a lemon tree in a pot which can come indoors. Here is an excerpt from that article:
"Lemon trees grow where temperatures get no colder than 60 degrees F."
Danvers IL is right on the line between USDA Hardiness Zones 5a and 5b, which means you have an average annual minimum temperature of -20 to -10 deg. F. Frankly, we're not sure that your nighttime temperatures in the Summer would permit a lemon tree to survive.
More Non-Natives Questions
Problems with non-native plumbago in San Antonio
November 21, 2009 - Plumbago problem. Live in San Antonio. Planted about 7 of these last spring, all from same store and at the same time. They are HUGE, blooming, thriving, except for the two on the end. They're in a d...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for southwest side of house in Birmingham, AL
April 18, 2009 - I would like to know what I can plant on the southwest side of my house where there is a brick foundation and is really hot in the summer. I've tried irises and day lilies-not good. Suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Identification of non-native Nothoscordum borbonicum in Louisiana
March 26, 2006 - There were some small white flowers that grow everywhere in Shreveport and probably elsewhere. Mother called them Crows Feet. I see them if I am home in the Springtime, smell them too. Is Crow's foot...
view the full question and answer
Non-native bougainvillea in Beaufort SC
July 06, 2011 - Bougainvillea-Can I grow these in Beaufort SC?
view the full question and answer
Non-native Alocasia in Fayetteville, AR
January 11, 2010 - I am trying to find out information on a plant that I received as a gift called an Alocaiso Plant, It a green, large, shiny green leaf plant with cream colored veins. Very beautiful and I would think...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |