The excessive prickles. redness, and odd growth at the top seems to indicate RRD or perhaps Round Up damage. I have received a number of similar inquiries from California and areas east of the Rockies on the ARS "Ask Questions" site, which I monitor and field. Yes, I'm the ARS answer man. Because RRD is not common out there, I recommend watching closely. If the symptoms spread, the bush should be destroyed. Meanwhile you might want to take or send a sample of the top growth to your local county extension agent or to a horticulture college for positive identification. You should also contact Ann Peck who's a leading authority on RRD in the US. If it is, she should be notified as she's tracking it's progress across the US. There is no cure for RRD. It is caused by a virus carried by an airborn wingless mite usually from an infected plant upwind from a bush. According to Baldo Velligas's webpage, RRD symptoms have been found on Northern California wild roses. If Round Up or other herbicide damage it will eventually outgrow it. Here is a link that might be useful: RRD web book

I have an own-root plant. It normally grows about 3-4 ft tall in an upright spreading habit. With my regular spraying program it is remaining reasonably healthy. I haven't noticed any problems, yet (weasel word). I can't comment on vase life; I haven't cut it. The above picture says plenty. It's too bad pictures don't smell, especially this variety, a rarity in yellow.

Well, kind of depends on what you want - juice or eating out of hand. The Meyer is an outstanding lemon. I'm a big fan like John. I use the Meyer for cooking, all my lemonade, and for my Limoncello. But, I couldn't be without a Valencia orange, as that makes the best orange juice. I love my Cara Cara as I think it's the best eating out of hand navel orange. Navel oranges will produce juice, but navel oranges contain a much higher chemical that causes the juice to become bitter if refrigerated, so traditionally navel oranges, like the Cara Cara, are for eating out of hand, whereas the Valencia is for both eating out of hand and juicing. So, decide what your grandmother would prefer, and that's your choice :-) Then, just get the other one for yourself, and you can swap fruits! Patty S.

Texas Gardener magazine had an article about which citrus grow or can be grown where in Texas sometime in the last couple of years. If you can't put hands on a copy, you might be able to order one off the website for the magazine. You're supposed to buy certified citrus trees, maybe even from growers within the state, to prevent citrus diseases from spreading in the area. Some of the ideas people had for keeping their citrus warm were ingenious. We just have one Thai lime in a large pot that gets hauled in and out as weather requires. Good luck, and keep us posted!