Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon - Citronnier épineux
Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon - Citronnier épineux
Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon - Citronnier épineux
Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon - Citronnier épineux
Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon - Citronnier épineux
Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon - Citronnier épineux
Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon
Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon
Japanese Bitter-Orange, Trifoliate Orange
One of the few deliveries where I was disappointed: Stem with 6 leaves with an underdeveloped root system. (Meanwhile, only one leaf left). Looking forward to see if it picks up in spring.
Christopher, 24/11/2024
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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty
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We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
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Description
Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon', also known as Japanese bitter-orange, is one of the very few citrus trees that is truly hardy, allowing it to find its place in almost every garden. This shrub has a distinctly upright habit, often developing several undulating branches that give it its tortuous appearance, making it easily identifiable. It is very ornamental, both due to its unique habit and its lightly scented white spring flowers, which then evolves into decorative fruits resembling small yellow mandarins that are barely orange, but not edible. In autumn, its foliage takes on beautiful colours before falling, revealing the aesthetic appeal of its green thorny branches throughout the winter. This small young plant can be grown in full sun, in well-drained, non-calcareous soil.
Poncirus trifoliata (synonymous with Citrus trifoliata) belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes about 150 plant genera, the most well-known being the large group of citrus trees, primarily from the genus Citrus, as well as Fortunella. The 'Flying Dragon' Poncirus is a tortuous variety, less vigorous than the species. It is a shrub with a distinctly upright habit and a relatively slow growth rate, typically reaching 2m (7ft) in height, or slightly more, with a significantly narrower width, around 1.30 to 1.40m. Its twisted branches undulate upwards, creating a tortuous pattern, further enhanced by the numerous perpendicular thorns that add more angles to this already tormented architectural form! In spring, beautiful, small, tender green trifoliate leaves appear, accompanied by lovely white flowers with 5 petals, which are slightly less fragrant than those of edible fruit citrus trees. Over the months, these flowers become spherical decorative fruits resembling miniature oranges. These are slightly orange-yellow in colour, with a diameter of 4 to 5cm. While not edible due to their acidity, their peel can still be used in cooking. In autumn, this small shrub stands out with its superbly coloured foliage, transitioning from green to yellow, and even to vermilion red, depending on the intensity of the cold nights.
Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' is a standout plant within the large family of citrus trees, even though its general characteristics - green wood, thorns, flowers, fruits and aroma - are indeed the same as those of Citrus trees in general. It is primarily planted for its ornamental nature. A contrast in temperature between day and night in autumn helps enhance its autumn colours. However, be cautious of its thorns, which can be dangerous to children's eyes, as they are inevitably attracted to its fruits. It is advisable to plant it away from highly trafficked areas, and instead position it amongst other bushes in a flowerbed. You can also associate it with the beautiful Hibiscus syriacus, whose large flowers in various colours (depending on the variety) and complement the slightly exotic appearance of the 'Flying Dragon'. Blooming at the same time, lilacs will also make good companions. Or choose a plant with purple foliage, such as Lagerstroemia indica Black Solitaire Best Red, to create a strong contrast during the season and enjoy its beautiful summer flowering.
Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon in pictures
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Poncirus
trifoliata
Flying Dragon
Rutaceae
Japanese Bitter-Orange, Trifoliate Orange
Cultivar or hybrid
Other Poncirus - Trifoliate Orange
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Available in 2 sizes
Planting and care
Hardy and easy to grow, Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' grows in full sun, in well-draining, acid to neutral soil. It is sensitive to limestone and heavy, waterlogged soils in winter. Although hardy, tolerating temperatures down to around -18°C, it is advisable to provide some protection from cold winter winds. Choose a position near a wall or in the middle of a bed among other plants, but do not plant near a door or pathway due to its stiff and sharp thorns.
Dig a planting hole of 50 cm (20in) in all dimensions, or more if your soil is somewhat compacted. In this case, place a layer of stones or large gravel at the bottom to improve drainage. Soak the root ball in a bucket for 15 minutes, and during this time, mix ericaceous soil (pH 5.5 to 6) with the existing soil. Position the root ball in the hole, backfill all around, and water thoroughly. Water regularly during the first year and in summer.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
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The flowering period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, etc.)
It will vary according to where you live:
- In zones 9 to 10 (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), flowering will occur about 2 to 4 weeks earlier.
- In zones 6 to 7 (Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and lower mountainous regions), flowering will be delayed by 2 to 3 weeks.
- In zone 5 (Central Europe, Scandinavia), blooming will be delayed by 3 to 5 weeks.
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands).
It will vary according to where you live:
- In Mediterranean zones (Marseille, Madrid, Milan, etc.), autumn and winter are the best planting periods.
- In continental zones (Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, etc.), delay planting by 2 to 3 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 2 to 4 weeks in autumn.
- In mountainous regions (the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, etc.), it is best to plant in late spring (May-June) or late summer (August-September).
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.