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Flying Dragon Citrus (Bitter Orange)

The Flying Dragon Citrus is a variety of the commonly known Bitter Orange. This evergreen shrub produces white flowers during early spring, which result in yellow fruits not much bigger than a golf ball in autumn. The edible fruit is full of seeds and has little pulp. They are borne amidst the dark green foliage, which has stems boasting large thorns. It typically grows to 2 m tall and the same wide, performing best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site, protected from frost. It will generally tolerate moderate frost once established. “Flying Dragon” is commonly grown as an interesting hedge, where the thorns deter animals and people passing through.

A Flying Dragon citrus shrub with orange fruit.

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Suited to regions:Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:Citrus
Height:2.00 m
Spread:2.00 m
Flowering time:Spring
Tolerances:Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses:Hedging
Garden styles:Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku16516

Are Flying Dragon oranges edible?

Flying Dragon oranges are technically edible, but not palatable. The fruit is slight, seedy, very sour, and bitter with a strong resinous flavour, more like a lemon than an orange. It is not typically eaten fresh but can be used in small amounts for marmalade, flavouring, or herbal remedies. The plant is primarily grown as a hardy, thorny rootstock or ornamental shrub, rather than for its fruit.

How to care for a flying dragon plant?

To care for a Flying Dragon plant (Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’), choose a sunny, well-drained spot in the garden. It tolerates a range of soils but prefers slightly acidic conditions. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots, then reduce watering once the plant is established, as it is drought-tolerant. Prune to shape in winter if necessary, and remove any suckers that form below the graft. It’s cold-hardy, requires minimal feeding, and can be grown as a striking specimen or an impenetrable hedge.

Questions and Answers

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Start your garden with Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Avocado 'Reed', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Blechnum novae-zelandiae, Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock), and Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'.
–The Plant Company

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