Citrus wilsonii Plant Care
Citrus wilsonii Tanaka
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The shangjuan, or Ichang lemon is a cold-hardy citrus fruit and plant originating in East Asia. It is a hybrid between Citrus cavaleriei and Citrus maxima.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
55–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Citrus wilsonii?
Plant Citrus wilsonii in full sun (USDA zones 12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F (13–29°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Citrus wilsonii Native To?
What Is the Citrus wilsonii?
Citrus wilsonii (Citrus wilsonii) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Citrus genus. Citrus wilsonii is native to East Asia.
Citrus wilsonii displays a small to medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Citrus wilsonii produces fragrant white flowers with waxy petals.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Citrus wilsonii?
Water a young or newly planted Citrus wilsonii every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Citrus wilsonii Need?
Citrus wilsonii thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Citrus wilsonii Prefer?
Citrus wilsonii tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. Citrus wilsonii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
55–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Citrus wilsonii?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Citrus wilsonii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Citrus wilsonii?
Feed Citrus wilsonii every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Citrus wilsonii?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Citrus wilsonii is suited to USDA Zone 12b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Citrus wilsonii?
Citrus wilsonii can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Citrus wilsonii?
Prune Citrus wilsonii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Citrus wilsonii in Winter?
Citrus wilsonii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Citrus wilsonii?
Citrus wilsonii can be propagated through seeds, grafting, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lemon tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Citrus wilsonii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Citrus wilsonii, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Citrus wilsonii?
Citrus wilsonii is susceptible to citrus leafminer, citrus whitefly, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Citrus wilsonii Need?
Citrus wilsonii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. Citrus wilsonii is native to East Asia. In cooler regions, grow Citrus wilsonii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12b
Keep exploring plants
Citrus wilsonii is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Citrus genus — compare its care with other Citrus species on PlantoScan.
Citrus is part of the Rutaceae plant family — browse all Rutaceae genera and species.
Citrus wilsonii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Citrus Species
Other Citrus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Citrus wilsonii Tanaka, family Rutaceae (first published in Mem. Tanaka Citrus Exp. Sta. 1(2): 37 (1932)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Citrus wilsonii, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
