Poncirus trifoliata (Hardy Orange)

One of the hardiest close relative of Citrus, Poncirus trifoliata (Hardy Orange) is an extremely architectural, well-branched, deciduous shrub which provides significant ornamental interest over most seasons. Resembling orange blossoms, refreshingly fragrant, cup-shaped white flowers, 2 in wide (5 cm), appear in late spring and continue to flower through to early summer. They are followed by an abundance of golf-ball size, slightly furry fruits which ripen to a lovely golden-yellow in fall. Although edible, the fruits are quite acidic and seedy but can be used for drinks and marmalade. If left on the tree, they will persist well into winter, adding interest in the garden. The foliage of three-palmate leaves (hence ‘trifoliata’) emerges yellow-green in spring, turns glossy dark green in summer before turning a lovely butter-yellow in fall. The dark green stems are armed with large, stiff thorns, 2 in. long (5 cm), making this plant an excellent intruder-repellent and a perfect choice to create very ornamental and impenetrable hedges.
Extremely hardy, Hardy Orange can survive temperatures as low as –5ºF (-20ºC). 

• Hardy Orange may slowly grow up to 8-20 ft. tall (240-600 cm) and 6-15 ft. wide (180-450 cm). However, its ability to withstand pruning means that it can be cut down to fit smaller spaces.
• Performs best in full sun, in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Provide a sheltered location from cold, drying winds
• Generally pest and disease free
• Drought, heat and humidity tolerant, it is also deer and rabbit resistant.
• Perfect choice as a single specimen plant or as an informal hedge. 
• Prune as needed after flowering
• Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Alternatively, take semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
• Native to central and northern China. Poncirus trifoliata spreads by prolific animal-dispersed seeds and colonizes by basal sprouts.
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