Citrus trifoliata (Poncirus trifoliata) Flying Dragon - Contorted Hardy Lemon, Japanese Bitter Orange

Quirky, contorted variety with twisted stems. Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' is an unusual shrub related to citrus, but extremely cold tolerant (fully hardy in the UK). Under warm climate, often used as the rootstock for grafting different citrus varieties due to its strong growth and cold tolerance. It opens its white scented flowers in March-April, before the leaves appear and from September, 4-5 cm large yellow, lemon-like fruits develop (stronger than a lemon; suitable for marmalade or for tea). The Hardy Lemon's leaves turn bright yellow in Autumn. The plant is covered in large spines, and the stems stay green for several years, which gives a spectacular architectural appearance to the plant during the winter months. Fast growing and drought tolerant, but grows much slower in shallow, bonsai-pot containers plus does not mind to be trimmed - ideal for bonsai, for the garden or for a low hedge-barrier.

The intended main use of this plant is to grow food for human consumption. We always recommend further research to learn the different ways in which the food source can be prepared and consumed.