About
Citrus japonica is a robust, spiny evergreen shrub characterized by its glossy, lanceolate leaves. In spring and summer, it produces clusters of aromatic white flowers, each measuring about 1.2 cm in diameter. These flowers give way to round orange fruits, which typically reach sizes of 3 to 4 cm.
About the genus
Citrus consists mainly of evergreen shrubs and trees, which are often armed with spines. They feature simple, leathery leaves that release a pleasing fragrance, typically borne on winged petioles. The plants produce aromatic flowers that are usually white or have a hint of pink, which are succeeded by sizable, juicy fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen (lemon and lime-bearing Citrus only). Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow outdoors in a moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, frost-free area in full sun. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost. Water sparingly in winter. Top dress in spring
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to citrus red spider mite and glasshouse red spider mite, soft scale and fluted scale, aphids, caterpillars and mealybugs under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free