I have a Eureka Lemon Tree that is about 12 years old and 3 feet high that I started from a seed. It does not produce lemons but it is lovely and fragrant. It is in a 4 gallon clay pot. I am in Victoria so the weather is mild. I put the tree outside in the summer and over winter it lives in the unheated greenhouse. This year was much colder than past years, snow broke one window so there was cold air circulating in the green house. It looks like the tree has frozen. The leaves lack vibrancy in colour, are dry and fall off readily. There is no new green growth. I watered it this weekend. Should I prune it back? Should I leave it and pray to the lemon gods? Have I lost my lemon tree? If I haven't, what should I do to help it flourish?
I would wait, a few others may disagree. If you restore your green house, and the temperature rises to above 20c.... there may be some life yet, it is still early to really tell. On the other hand, simply pull out the plant and check the roots, if they are firm and pliable their may be hope...if they are rotted and mushy, you have your answser sooner than waiting for later results... Good luck with your citrus.
Many thanks K. Baron. I have optimistically dragged this little tree along for many years and I will indeed repair the greenhouse and will wait in hope that something springs to life. If brave, I'll check the roots. If the roots indicate potential, would you water the tree over the next few weeks?
Hi Linda, if the soil is bone dry, yes, a little watering to revive the root ball may help, but the evidence may be better known if you pull out the plant and inspect the root ball... good luck!
