Calamondin Variegata

Description

Calamondin Variegata is a stunning variegated form of calamondin, a small-fruited citrus hybrid, treasured as much for its looks as its fruit. The evergreen foliage is marbled cream and green, and fragrant white flowers are followed by quantities of small, juicy, sour oranges that ripen to full colour and hold well on the plant, extending both the harvest and the display. The ripe fruit is too sour for fresh dessert eating but is excellent for culinary use: in cooking, preserves and marmalade, and Southeast Asian dishes. The plant is compact and shrubby, hardy for a citrus, and very well suited to containers, courtyards and prominent garden placing where its variegation shows to advantage. Fruiting is spread across much of the year, so no single harvest timing applies. Ripe fruit holds well on the tree, giving good effective keeping. Grow in full sun in free-draining soil or mix, water regularly in containers, and feed in the growing season. Self-fertile.