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Bitter Orange

Scientific Name: Citrus x aurantium (Chinotto Group)

Also Known As

Citrus aurantium var. myrtifolia
Citrus myrtifolia

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 8'-10'
W: 8'-10'

planting zones

9a-11

More Options

Bitter Orange plant details

Bitter Orange is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by orange fruit. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Bitter Orange

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rutaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 FT - 10 FT - wide, 8 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Bitter Orange

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Very pretty, small compact shrub or small tree to 8-10 ft tall with small, indeed, myrtle-like leaves that are glossy green. Found as a bud mutation on old sour orange trees in Florida, these are thornless! Spring flowers are white and sweetly fragrant, producing small, bumpy skinned fruit, edible but sour. Full sun, rich soil, and summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zones 9-11 with a fighting chance in zone 8.

By: Cistus Nursery

This sour orange is one of the best citrus plants for containers because of its compact growing habit and hearty root structure. With densely foliated myrtle-like leaves, in spring it produces fragrant, white flowers and fruit that holds well for months. Pruning this enduring grower produces a well-shaped bush.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

Garden photo gallery of Bitter Orange

Photo of Bitter Orange foliage, fruit by Nadiatalent

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By: Nadiatalent

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

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Gardening facts about Bitter Orange plant

How to Grow Bitter Orange

Sun Exposure
- sun
Water Needs
- regular
Soil Needs
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- verticillium wilt resistant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- white
Fruit
- orange
Flower Season
- spring
Foliage Season
- deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Citrus for your garden

Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'

aka Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon', Poncirus trifoliata 'Monstrosa', Poncirus trifoliata var. monstrosa, Flying Dragon Contorted Hardy Orange, Flying Dragon Trifoliate Orange, Hardy Orange, Japanese Bitter Orange, Monstrosa Hardy Orange