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Buy Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'

Also Known As

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

Plant type

tree, shrub, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 6'-15'
W: 4'-8'

planting zones

5a-10b

3.5 inch pot | $23

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

5 gallon bagged root ball | $91

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total

30 at Gossler Farms

2 inch wide, 4-6 inch deep tube | $29.95

Buy button links to nursery site for checkout

Fewer than 4 at Forestfarm

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Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' plant details

Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' is a broadleaf deciduous fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by green and orange fruit. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'

Plant type: fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree
Plant family: rutaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: architectural, container plant, fall color, fragrant, spiky, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, lean and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

We sold out last season and have larger size this year. This bizarre citrus will get 6'-8' in many years. The foliage stems and thorns (2”) are all contorted. Has been a plant in a container at the Portland Chinese Garden for many years.

By: Gossler Farms

Out to be noticed and doing a good job! This shrub/small tree was introduced to the U.S. from Japan in the 1915. This specimen will catch your eye with the picturesque twistiness of its branches, its immense thorns, its unusual,l fuzzy, yellow-orange fruit in fall, and its fragrant spring flowers. Glorious in autumn when this deciduous plant turns brilliant shades of orange! Sorry, we cannot ship to California. S/M

By: Forestfarm

Contorted dwarf hardy Citrus shrub with curly cue branches well-armed by skin tearing thorns. Can be used as a hedge in lieu of barbed wire (grows 3' high and wide), or featured as a wicked specimen in the garden or container. Slightly fragrant white flowers April thru May, sometimes followed by small fruits suitable for zest or marmalade. Deciduous in cooler zones. Foliage is tri-lobed and smallish. Thin to show off architecture of branching (wear your gauntlet gloves!). USDA 5-9 3.5" pot

By: Secret Garden Growers

1 to 2-inch curved thorns along convoluted stems make for striking winter form. Fragrant "orange blossom" flowers are followed by orange-green to orange fruit. (bitter taste, but very pretty!!) Unique addition to the garden.

By: Bloom River Gardens

This hardy orange, a citrus relative, is a thorny, well-branched, deciduous shrub or small tree which typically grow 8-15'. The three-lobed leaves emerge yellowish-green in spring, turn glossy dark green in summer. The flowers are white and fragrant. 'Monstrosa' is a semi-dwarf, contorted-stem cultivar.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A monotypic rutaceous small tree, 'Flying Dragon' is incredibly contorted and thorn covered, this unusual Citrus relative from Northern China and Korea is hardy here with good protection. White flowers and pubescent inedible lemons, immortalized in Led Zeppelin's The Lemon Song, "you can squeeze my lemon, till the juice runs down my leg." Plant of course.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Twisting thorny branches, white flowers spring, tiny sour oranges, irregular habit, Deer resistant. Zones 7-9

By: Lael's Moon Garden

As above but with thorns that are curved, rather than straight, giving it a slightly different look in winter. Actually a lot more sinister looking! :-) Hardy to -15, it can even be grown into zone 5 with protection.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Weird....yes. Mean.....yes. Interesting? Absolutely! White flowers in spring, "orange-like" fruit in fall, incredible architecture always! And very easy.

By: Specialty Ornamentals

Wicked wide and hooked thorns are so scary that they're beautiful. White flowers in early summer and trifoliate green leaves turn orange in fall. 8' x 8' in the ground.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Ancient Asian selection of the bitter orange with lovely twisted stems & wicked thorns. Extremely hardy (-20 °F), deciduous citrus, best in winter when the green stems and huge thorns are exposed and large orange fruits hang on. In spring, white flowers with a sweet fragrance. Plant in containers for the most drama; in the ground for easiest care. 10' in time... a long time. Extremely frost hardy, to USDA zone 5.