About
Citrus trifoliata is a bushy shrub or small tree, reaching heights of approximately 3 meters. Its green branches are equipped with sizable, rigid thorns that can grow up to 5 centimeters long. In spring or early summer, the plant produces fragrant white flowers reminiscent of orange blossoms, which are succeeded by round orange fruits measuring about 4 centimeters in diameter. While the fruits are technically edible when cooked, they contain numerous seeds and have a sour flavor, making them more suitable for use in preserves.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- C & S China
- 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 as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Alternatively, take semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free