The trifoliate orange is recognizable by the large 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) thorns on the shoots, and its deciduous leaves with three (or rarely, five) leaflets, typically with the middle leaflet 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) long, and the two side leaflets 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) long. The flowers are white, with pink stamens, 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) in diameter, larger than those of true citrus but otherwise closely resembling them, except that the scent is much less pronounced than with true citrus. As with true citrus, the leaves give off a spicy smell when crushed. The fruits are green, ripening to yellow, and 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) in diameter similar in size to a lime and resembling a small orange, but with a finely downy surface and having a fuzzy texture similar to a peach. The fruits also have distinctive smell from other citrus varieties and often contain a high concentration of seeds.
Citrus Trifoliata Care
Citrus Trifoliata
humidity
High
lighting
Full Sun
hardiness zone
5 - 9
difficulty
Hard
hibernation
Cold Period
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water regularly in the first weeks. Try to avoid watering on sunny afternoons to minimize the amount of moisture lost to evaporation. If your plant is in a pot, check the top soil in the pot either by looking at it or touching it with your finger.
Pruning
Prune intensively in winter if used as a hedge but will flower less. If they are grown as isolated specimens it's better not to prune them.
Fertilizer
Fertilize every 20 days in summer with mineral fertilizer. In autumn fertilize with manure.
Sunlight
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil
Medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soi
Temperature
Winter temperature 5 (+/- 5) °C Minimum temperature -15 °C
Additional
The University of North Carolina, which I think believes every plant is toxic, lists the Hardy Orange as “poisonous.”
Popularity
2,752 people already have this plant 140 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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