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Conservatory GreenhouseShrubsFruit Edible

Citrus japonica (F)

kumquat

A large spiny evergreen shrub with glossy lance-shaped leaves and axillary clusters of fragrant white flowers 1.2cm across in spring and summer, followed by globose orange fruits 3-4cm across

Other common names
Marumi kumquat
Nagami kumquat
see moreoval kumquat
round kumquat
Synonyms
Citrus (_japonica_ × _margerita_)
Citrus kinokuni
see moreCitrus madurensis
Fortunella margarita
Fortunella × crassifolia
Fortunella hindsii
Citrus × nobilis var. inermis
Fortunella japonica
Citrus kumquat
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green Orange
Autumn Green Orange
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Rutaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Citrus are typically evergreen shrubs or trees, frequently spiny, with simple, leathery, aromatic leaves, usually with winged stalks, and often fragrant white or pink-tinged flowers, followed by large, juicy fruits

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in a moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, frost-free area in full sun. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost. Water sparingly in winter. Top dress in spring

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to citrus red spider mite and glasshouse red spider mite, soft scale and fluted scale, aphids, caterpillars and mealybugs under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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