CITRUS trifoliata

Commonly known as Japanese bitter orange

(formerly Ponicirus trifolata) - green stems armed with stout spines. Trifoliate leaves and white strongly scented flowers like Orange blossom
Further Reading....
  • Deciduous
    Alternate, 3-palmate leaves, 2.5-6cm (1-2½in) long comprise 3 obovate, dark green leaflets, turning yellow in autumn
  • White
  • Height
    5m (16ft)
  • Spread
    5m (16ft)
  • Medium shrub
    Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height
    Or small tree. Flowers on second-year wood. Produces solitary flowers followed by orange-like, inedible, green then orange fruit, 4cm (1½in) across
  • Tender - cool or frost free greenhouse
    Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen. Except in frost-free inner-city areas or coastal extremities requires glasshouse conditions. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 1°C (34°F)
  • Full sun
    Shelter from cold winds

CITRUS trifoliata

 
  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Intoduced into UK by Robert Fortune, Scottish plant hunter, in 1850. Can flower in late spring and again in autumn.
    Pests & Diseases
    None
    Place of origin
    Northern China, Korea
  • Flower Shape
    Cup-shaped
    Cup-shaped, then saucer-shaped flowers 5cm (2in) across
  • Hardiness
    Half hardy (down to 0)
  • Leaf form
    Palmate
    		(see photos above)
  • Leaf margin
    Entire
    		(see photos above)
  • Leaf shape
    Obovate
    		(see photos above)
  • Pruning group
    Pruning group 1
    Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
    When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
  • Seasonal Interest
    Autumn
    Spring
    Summer
    Winter
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile well drained soil
  • Toxic - Category C
    Skin irritant with sunlight
    (People & Pets)
  • Tree Shape
    Rounded to broadly spreading
  • Wildlife
    Rabbit Resistant
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Citrus Trees - Care Guide
5m (16ft)
 Medium Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  5m (16ft)
  

Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Chempak
Citrus Feed
A high nitrogen formula to boost growth in both summer and winter. Considerably cheaper than on Amazon!
2 options from £5.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen. Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots. Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.00

Vermin & Pest Control
Fly Window Stickers
Perfect and attractive way to catch flies. Sunflower design. 4 stickers in each pack.
Only £4.80

Vermin & Pest Control
Fly Paper
Pack of 4 fly papers. Traditional and non-toxic, easy to use and disposable. Can catch up to 100 flies!
Only £2.00

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