'Pink Lemonade' Lemon (Citrus limon 'Pink Lemonade'): Variegated Foliage, Pink-Fleshed Fruit

'Pink Lemonade' Lemon is a stunning ornamental citrus that combines variegated foliage with unique pink-fleshed fruit. A cultivar of Citrus limon (family Rutaceae), it's as much a landscape specimen as a fruit tree—though the lemons are deliciously usable.

Variegated Beauty and Pink Fruit

The leaves are variegated with irregular margins of creamy white to pale yellow against green—each leaf unique. New growth is often flushed pink. The fruit is round to oval, 3-4 inches, with a striped green-and-yellow rind when immature, maturing to yellow. The flesh is pale pink, juicy, and acidic with a true lemon flavor—less acidic than 'Eureka', with a floral note. The juice is pink!

Taxonomic Classification

Container Culture and Ornamental Value

'Pink Lemonade' is primarily grown as a container citrus in zones 9-11 (ground) or as a patio/houseplant elsewhere. It reaches 8-12 feet in ground, smaller in pots. It needs full sun (at least 6 hours), well-drained citrus mix, regular feeding, and consistent moisture. It's self-fertile. Protect from frost below 28°F.

The variegation means it has less chlorophyll—growth is slower than standard lemons, and it's more susceptible to sunburn (afternoon shade helps in hot climates). It's a conversation piece: the variegated foliage, pink-tinged new growth, striped immature fruit, and pink juice make it a standout in edible landscaping and ornamental containers. The fruit makes stunning pink lemonade, cocktails, and preserves.