Wildlife value of Lemon Tree — an unexpected bonus

I planted Lemon Tree primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. harvest of home-grown fruit with exceptional fresh flavour seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a large half-barrel container on a sunny patio which allows me to watch the activity up close. harvest from late summer through autumn depending on variety is the most active period for wildlife visits. mulching around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. fireblight bacterial disease affecting pears and apples is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.