Citrus hystrix
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix, especially for young trees. Avoid intense reflected heat from west-facing walls and pavement.
Water: Water deeply, then allow the upper 2–3 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat; reduce in winter. Avoid soggy soil.
Soil: Well-drained soil, ideally slightly acidic. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require micronutrient management. For containers, use a freely draining citrus potting mix.
Mature size: Typically 10–15 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide in the ground; often maintained at 4–8 feet in containers through pruning.
Bloom: Usually blooms in spring; occasional additional flowering may occur in warm conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; may shed leaves after cold, drought, or other stress.
Growth rate: Moderate in warm weather with adequate water and nutrition; slower in containers or under stress.