Large Calamondin Bush
Commonly known as the Citrus Mitis, this citrus tree, a cross between a mandarin and a kumquat, is a member of the Rutaceae family, whose characteristics are defined by flowers that divide into 4 or 5 parts and their sweet, aromatic scent. Native to the subtropics of China, it is frequently grown, not as much for fruit production, but mainly ornamentally as a shrub, due to their intoxicating smell.
Being that it’s from a subtropical environment, it thrives in indirect bright light to direct bright light, moderate to high humidity, warm weather and if given these conditions it can grow up to 6-10 ft. when pruned indoors and anywhere from 6 ½ to 25 ft outdoors. This makes them a great centerpiece inside, or they could be used in a bright corner with windows. They would also be a great option to grow in your garden outdoors, but since we are in a hardiness zone of 6-7a you will need to keep them in a container and bring indoors for the winter. It will finally bear fruit in its second year so be on the lookout for the formation of buds in the springtime. A small amount of water stress helps to encourage blooms to develop in the spring. If you use ground/tap water, which is high in saline, over time it will lead to the tree not to bloom, so be sure to use rainwater every now and then to water so there’s no build-up of salts and you can appreciate the tree for all it is, its flowers, its scent and its fruit!
