Citrus x limonia 'Rosso'
This fruit has three different names depending in which part of the world you are standing. A cross between the Mandarin orange and a lemon, it has a taste much more akin to a lime than either of its parents. So much so in fact, that in South America it’s used as a lime substitute, and in Central Asia it is known as the Rangpur Lime. The leaves have an aromatic flavour, similar to kaffir lime leaves and can be used to flavour curries in much the same way. The great Victorian naturalist Joseph Hooker came across is during one of his plant collecting exploits in India and was so impressed with its refreshing attributes that he sent trees back to Charles Darwin. The Mandarin Lime (yet another of its names), forms a compact tree and due to its hardiness (it will withstand temperatures down to -6ºC) is very suitable for growing in planters on the terrace or balcony. It produces a mass of small white flowers which give off a very strong scent from Spring until late Summer. The fruits which are about the size of a snooker-ball ripen from late winter until late Spring. The skin is dark orange and rather speckled whilst the flesh is bright orange.
Pollination: Self-fertile.
Citrus are a great addition to any garden and can be grown for many years in pots or planted in the soil in those parts of the country with a reasonably mild climate. The fruits ripen from the late Autumn until mid-spring, but the tree is active at all times of the year with flowers, fruitlets and mature fruits on the tree all at the same time. Citrus will thrive in temperatures above 5ºC and cope with occasional drops below freezing for short periods. During the winter months if the temperature drops below freezing, trees in pots should be moved to a glasshouse, garage or shed and trees planted in the open ground should be wrapped with fleece whilst temperatures stay low. Citrus are not house plants and will not succeed in the environment of central heating.
Our citrus trees are grafted on to Volkameriana rootstock and are 3-4 years old. They are supplied in 5.5 litre pots and are 60-90cm (2-3ft) tall on despatch (measured from the base of the pot).
*Delivery surcharges may apply to offshore Islands and parts of Scotland. If your delivery postcode falls into one of these areas we request that you contact us prior to placing an order so that we can advise you of any delivery surcharge. Alternatively, we will contact you prior to despatch to advise you of any delivery surcharge.
Carriage & packing charges
Our standard delivery charge to mainland UK is £9.95. Some items (where stated) are p&p inclusive. If you are only ordering items that are p&p inclusive, the standard delivery charge does not apply.
Some deliveries to the Scottish Islands, parts of Scotland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Scily Isles may incur surcharges. If a surcharge is applicable, you may not be able to complete your order online. Please telephone us on 01255 440410 for a delivery quotation.
We regret that due to Brexit we are no longer able to deliver to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the rest of Europe.
Despatch Dates
Fruit trees, soft fruit bushes, ornamental trees & hedging (bare root)
Fruit trees & soft fruit bushes (pot grown)
Strawberry plants (Runners)
Vegetable Plants
Vegetable plants are available from mid May to late July. As a very rough guide, plants ordered before the end of April will usually be despatched by late May. Plants ordered after May will usually be despatched by early June.
Asparagus crowns
Asparagus crowns will be despatched from April to late May. Orders placed during this period will be despatched within 28 days.
Hardware
Biological Controls (Natural Predators) & Bumblebee Hives
Natural Predators and Bumble Bee hives are only despatched at the appropriate time of year (see product description for detailed information). When “in season” they are despatched direct from our supplier in batches on a weekly basis - we send orders to our supplier 12pm Tuesday and they despatch these orders Wednesday the following week. Natural Predators are sent by first class post, bumblebee hives are sent by carrier.


