Citrus japonica (Kumquat)

Remarkably cold-hardy, Citrus japonica (Kumquat) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree prized for its glossy lance-shaped leaves and very small, oval, orange fruits. The orange rind is sweet and the light orange flesh is acidic. The fruit is unique in that you eat the whole thing, skin and all. Heavenly scented white flowers bloom in summer. They shine against the foliage of shiny, dark green, evergreen leaves. They are followed by fruits in late winter, that hold well on the tree. The flowers are self-fertile and require no cross-pollination. A nice container plant when grafted onto dwarfing rootstock and a good landscape tree for small areas. This is the most often cultivated kumquat in the United States.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 8 ft. tall (240 cm) and 6 ft. wide (180 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in a sheltered, frost-free area. Needs water regularly but cannot stand flooding or saturated soils.
• Hardier to cold than any other true citrus species, Kumquat can withstand 18°F (-8°C) of frost without injury.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and scale insects under glass.
• Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.