Poncirus Trifoliata (Hardy Orange)
(aka 'Japanese Bitter Orange', 'Trifoliate Orange')

Hardy to Zone 6
Bloom Time -
Early spring (April)
Color - White flowers/orange fruit in fall
Foliage - Three-lobed, dark glossy green leaves turn yellow in the fall. Deciduous.
Size - 20 ft. +
Exposure - Full sun
Culture - This native of China and Korea is somewhat of a novelty in American gardens - it is not easy to find in nurseries but it is easily grown from seed. It is not a plant to grow around children and must be placed with care in the garden. This is due to the vicious 2" thorns that it produces all up and down the stems. The shrub (or small tree if you prefer) is a fast grower and produces tall upright branches. It tolerates pruning well which is advisable if you want horizontal growth. The bare stems are evergreen in the winter and provide a striking point of interest in the garden. In early spring, beautiful five petaled flowers appear along with tiny glossy green leaves. The leaves will turn yellow in the fall and small yellow/orange fruits will appear. A worthy addition to an Oriental or tropical garden or just as a plant of interest, the hardy orange is Very easy to grow, preferring any well-drained soil and tolerant of drought. Hardy to -15, it can even be grown into zone 5 with protection.

Varieties - If you can find it, "Flying Dragon" is the preferred variety of choice because it produces dramatic curved (hooked) thorns. There is a magnificent specimen of this plant at Bennett's Nursery in Huntsville, Alabama.

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