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All orders are being scheduled for shipping based on your location's last frost date. Pick up orders take a few days for us to gather. We will notify you when they are ready.
All orders are being scheduled for shipping based on your location's last frost date. Pick up orders take a few days for us to gather. We will notify you when they are ready.

Flying Dragon Trifoliate Orange

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Original price $9.00 - Original price $85.00
Original price
$9.00
$9.00 - $85.00
Current price $9.00

Click here for Citrus Care Guide

Citrus trifoliata L. var. monstrosa T. (Flying Dragon)

The Flying Dragon, also known as Citrus trifoliata var. monstrosa, is a small, thorny shrub that typically grows up to 6 feet in height. It has an extremely ornamental corkscrew growth habit, making it a show-stopper, especially with its striking orange fruits in the fall. The plant is virtually free from insect and disease issues, making it easy to maintain.

Note: Due to import restrictions, we are unable to ship the Citrus to CA, PR, TX, FL, AZ, or HI.

The fruit is highly aromatic and used to make citrus-aide by adding sweetener and water. In Japan, the fruit is called "Karatachi," and there's even a folk song dedicated to it. A small jar filled with karatachi fruit soaked in honey creates a delicious sweet liquid, perfect for topping yogurt or making a soothing tea by adding a spoonful to hot water. However, the fruit is inferior to lemons as it is seedy, resin-like, and not very juicy, so it's not recommended to eat the fruit raw.

One of the key benefits of the Flying Dragon is its hardiness; it can withstand temperatures below zero, making it one of the hardiest citrus varieties. It thrives in USDA Zones 6-9 and is ideal for bonsai cultivation. The plant’s compact size and striking appearance make it a popular choice in nurseries.

Uses and Benefits:

  • Fruits have medicinal uses in China (immature and dried mature fruits).
  • In southern Germany, the fruit juice is used to make a flavoring syrup, while the peel is candied and used as a spice, providing a source of pectin.
  • In Brazil, it is valued as a protective hedge against animals and trespassers.
  • It is widely grown as an ornamental in Europe, Asia, and North America.
  • Seedlings are commonly used as rootstocks for citrus and related species.

Plant Characteristics:

  • Pest Resistance: Excellent
  • Disease Resistance: Excellent
  • Drought Tolerance: Very Good
  • Heat Tolerance: Very Good
  • Humidity Tolerance: Excellent
  • Sun Tolerance: Very Good
  • Wet Soil Tolerance: Fair
  • Shade Tolerance: Fair
  • No Spray: Excellent
  • Salt Tolerance: Poor
  • Fresh for Kids: Poor
  • Deer Resistance: Very Good
  • Thorns: Yes (long and curved)
  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Soil Type: Adaptable
  • Edible Type: Fruit
  • Self Fertile: Yes

Space Requirements:

  • Space: 7-foot circle
  • Height: 6 feet

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, comments/opinions are always welcome.

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