Trifoliata Citrus (Poncirus trifoliata)

Perfect rootstock for  all your favourite citrus grafting! Hardy and frost resistant.

Trifoliate Citrus or Hardy Orange is a deciduous thorny shrub or small tree that prefers well drained, acidic soil in a sunny location and grows up to nearly 6m tall. 

This plant blooms in mid-spring and fruit ripens in early fall. Spines are sharp and numerous and are not for high traffic areas. This plant may be pruned into a thick, impenetrable hedge. This plant is an excellent winter character as specimen planting. 

This plant prefers well-drained, acid soil and full sun. It is intolerant of shady siting, is easily transplanted, and has no serious pest or disease problems.

The lemon-like fruit is exceedingly sour and full of seeds. If eaten in large quantities, the high acidity can cause severe stomach pain and nausea. Some people experience minor skin irritation with prolonged contact. While the peel and the pulp can be used to make marmalade, the fruit is often left on the tree to provide beauty well into winter.

Makes an excellent hedge, its thorns deterring entry.Plants has strong and reasonably fat trunk for grafting. Plant is 5 years.  

Plant Care

• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Watering: Water deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from frost.
• Light: Full sun is essential for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Fertilising: Use a citrus-specific NPK fertilizer with micronutrients, typically a ratio like 6-3-3, every four to six weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Prune to shape, improve airflow, and remove dead or diseased branches in late winter or early spring.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the trunk.
• Pest Control: Monitor for citrus pests such as scale, mites, and citrus leaf miner. Treat with appropriate insecticides or natural remedies.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Blooms in spring with fruit development continuing through summer and into fall, depending on the variety.
• Potting: Suitable for container growing, especially dwarf varieties. Ensure containers have good drainage.
• Feeding Regime: Increase feeding frequency during peak growing and fruiting periods.