Citrus × aurantium (Grapefruit Group) 'Star Ruby' (F/S)

RHS Plant Profile
grapefruit 'Star Ruby'

Synonyms

Citrus × paradisi 'Star Ruby'
Citrus 'Pomelo Star Ruby'

Conservatory Greenhouse Fruit Edible Shrubs

A slow-growing evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves. It has fragrant white flowers, at almost any time of year which may develop into large, round pink-yellow fruit. The flesh is deep pink but this colouring is only produced after high tempertures.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rutaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen (lemon and lime-bearing Citrus only). 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
Accepted
Horticultural Group
This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Edible fruit
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Prunng 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