Edibles – Fruit – Trifoliate Orange ‘Flying Dragon’

Trifoliate Orange ‘Flying Dragon’ 

Botanical name: citrus trifoliata ‘flying dragon’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 8-15 ft in height with a spread of up to 20 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 5-9

Growth rate: 6-12 inches per year 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: white 

Bloom time:  blooms and fruit in the spring/summer 

Pruning instructions:  prune to maintain desired shape and size in the late winter/early spring during dormancy 

Propagation methods: propagate with semi-new growth cuttings in the early fall 

Landscape use: hedge, container plant

Special features:  cold-hardy, crooked branches, culinary fruit but not normally eaten raw because it is highly acidic 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-3 inches of soil try out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release organic citrus fertilizer once a year in the early spring as the plant begins to come out of dormancy 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: sand, loam 

Companion plants: barberry, american holly, yarrow

Toxicity level: spikes on the wood of this plant can cause rash or skin irritation 

Invasive species: potentially invasive