About

Citrus x junos is a naturally occurring hybrid known for its fragrant peel and tangerine-sized fruit. This upright, thorny evergreen can grow as a shrub or develop into a small tree over time. In spring, it produces small, white flowers that release a potent fragrance, which are succeeded by fruit featuring thick, bumpy skin that transitions from bright green to yellow and finally orange as it ripens.

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
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Fruit Edible, Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native to
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 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