Rainbow Orange - Citrus x Doppio Sanguigno

Citrus meyeri Meyer (x) sinensis Doppio Sanguigno is a brand new hybrid citrus tree, sometimes known as Meyer blood citrus or arcobal. Derived from the cross between a Meyer lemon tree and a double blood orange, this productive variety produces medium-sized fruits from a young age, characterised by their strongly striped red skin on an orange background, extremely decorative on its beautiful dark green foliage in winter. While the taste value of the fruits is often debated, the ornamental value of this bush is undeniable. In addition to its fruits, it produces large white flowers in spring, and sometimes in summer, which are also striped with red and highly fragrant. Hardy down to -8°C (17.6°F), it can be planted in the ground on the Mediterranean coast. It also performs very well in pots, to be stored indoors during winter elsewhere.

.

Citrus meyeri x sinensis Doppio Sanguigno is a small tree in the Rutaceae family, like all citrus trees. It has a bushy habit and a dense crown, reaching approximately 2.50m (8ft) in height and 1.50m (5ft) in width at the age of 10, depending on the growing conditions. The final size of this new variety, which seems vigorous, is still unknown. It will remain smaller when grown in a pot. The branches are quite thick, with some thorns and leaves that persist throughout the year, except in case of severe frost. The leaves are entire, ovate to lanceolate, measuring 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) in length and 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in width, dark green and glossy, slightly undulate and aromatic when crushed. The flowering mainly occurs in spring, in May-June, but can occasionally continue during the summer. Solitary or grouped in small clusters, the rose-red flower buds open into large star-shaped white flowers, striped with red. The flowering is followed by the formation of oval to rounded fruits that measure approximately 8cm (3in) in diameter. Their thick green skin turns bright orange, striped with dark red when ripe. The red areas are wide and arranged like the ridges of a melon. The fruits are rich in essential oils. The flesh, which is red when ripe, is sweet and sour, juicy, and moderately flavourful.

Primarily cultivated for its ornamental qualities, this citrus tree, like all citrus species, contains essential oil pockets in its leaves, flowers, and fruits, which are often visible to the naked eye. Its zest can be used to flavour desserts. When fully ripe, its fruit produces a sweetish juice that can be consumed as is or mixed with other citrus juices in fruit juice cocktails. The fruits remain decorative on the tree for a long time, making it a beautiful conservatory plant in winter. As is often the case with citrus trees, the cold resistance of the plant does not necessarily indicate the same for the fruits. While the vegetation may regrow in spring, the flowering is often delayed by several months. Depending on the variety, frozen fruits may still be edible to some extent. There is still limited information available about this Citrus meyer (x) sinensis Doppio Sanguigno hybrid: a new challenge for citrus enthusiasts!

Flowering and pollination: The Meyer blood citrus is a self-fertile bush, meaning that a single individual is sufficient for complete pollination and fruiting. However, if your citrus tree remains indoors permanently, you may need to occasionally allow pollinators to do their work or, if you feel delicate enough, perform hand pollination with a brush.