Overview
Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F) is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Citrus, part of the Rutaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, conservatory and greenhouse and edible fruit.
About
Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' is a bushy evergreen cultivar within the Citrus genus, which comprises mainly evergreen shrubs and trees often armed with spines and bearing simple, leathery, fragrant leaves. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered aspects and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for patio and container planting as well as conservatories and greenhouses, 'Bittersweet' produces aromatic flowers in spring and summer, followed by sizable, juicy edible fruit. It is hardy to UK zone H2 and can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings, layering, or seed sowing at 16°C in spring.
About the genus
Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the family Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, such as citrons, mandarins, and pomelos. Many important citrus crops have been developed through extensive hybridization, including oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes, all of which have many cultivars.
Wikipedia contributors, "Citrus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Citrus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Citrus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Fruit Edible, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse, Edible fruit
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F)
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Seed sowing at 16°C in spring
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Mealybugs, Glasshouse red spider mite
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F)?
Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F) need?
Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F) hardy in the UK?
Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F) has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Bittersweet' (F)?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Seed sowing at 16°C in spring.