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Poncirus trifoliata

Poncirus trifoliata
Japanese Bitter-Orange, Trifoliate Orange

4,3/5
12 reviews
1 reviews
1 reviews
2 reviews
1 reviews

Plant arrived late. Half of the soil is out of the pot. This is common with this merchant. The foliage is leggy.

Jigui, 01/04/2024

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Hardy bush with white and fragrant flowering, belonging to the citrus trees family, to be grown in the sun, in well-drained, non-chalky soil.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
4 m
Spread at maturity
3 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April, September to October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to October
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Flowering time April to May
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Description

The Poncirus trifoliata, also known as the spiny lemon tree, is a hardy bush with white and fragrant flowers, belonging to the citrus trees family.

It is one of the very few truly hardy citrus trees: it can withstand -15°C (5°F).

An Erect bush, with dense branching, the Poncirus trifoliata measures 3 to 4m (9-13ft) in height as well as in width. Its deciduous leaves are made up of three ovate leaflets, of a tender green colour.

In late spring, the spiny lemon tree produces highly fragrant white flowers, with almost translucent petals. Like its cousins, the flowering is followed by beautiful fruiting. The fruits, larger than a kumquat but smaller than a clementine, are silky and green, becoming yellow in autumn. Not edible raw (they are bitter), they can be consumed once cooked.

The numerous branches bear very large green and sharp thorns. Both ornamental and defensive, the Poncirus trifoliata is often used as a defensive hedge to deter animals.
 

Hardy and easy to grow, it thrives in sunlight, in any type of moist, well-drained and non-chalky soil. It dislikes heavy and waterlogged soils in winter.

The Poncirus trifoliata has a very slow growth and may only flower after the second or third year.

Poncirus trifoliata in pictures

Poncirus trifoliata (Flowering) Flowering
Poncirus trifoliata (Foliage) Foliage
Poncirus trifoliata (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 4 m
Spread at maturity 3 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time April to May
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 4 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Fruit colour yellow

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Botanical data

Genus

Poncirus

Species

trifoliata

Family

Rutaceae

Other common names

Japanese Bitter-Orange, Trifoliate Orange

Origin

China

Product reference9560

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Available in 2 sizes

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€49.00 4L/5L pot
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€49.00 3L/4L pot
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€49.00 4L/5L pot
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€49.00 4L/5L pot
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€41.50 3L/4L pot

Planting and care

Hardy and easy to grow, the Poncirus trifoliata thrives in sunny locations, in any type of well-draining soil. It is sensitive to limestone and heavy, waterlogged soils in winter. Due to its sharp and stiff thorns, make sure to keep the Poncirus away from high-traffic areas.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April, September to October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Very well-draining

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,3/5

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€49.00 2L/3L pot
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€49.00 4L/5L pot
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€45.00 4L/5L pot
8
20% €39.20 €49.00 4L/5L pot
Out of stock
€49.00 4L/5L pot
Out of stock
€49.00 4L/5L pot
6
€49.00 4L/5L pot
Out of stock
€45.00 4L/5L pot

Available in 2 sizes

Out of stock
€45.00 4L/5L pot
4
€49.00 4L/5L pot

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