Citrus japonica (F)

RHS Plant Profile
kumquat

Other common names

Marumi kumquat, Nagami kumquat, oval kumquat, round kumquat

Synonyms

Citrus (_japonica_ × _margerita_)
Citrus kinokuni
Citrus madurensis
Fortunella margarita
Fortunella × crassifolia
Fortunella hindsii
Citrus × nobilis var. inermis
Fortunella japonica
Citrus kumquat

Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Shrubs Fruit Edible

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

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
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
Correct
Horticultural Group
This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit

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