"Wild lemon", "thorny lemon", tripoliata - this is the name of the fragrant citrus tree ponzirus. This small but rather spectacular plant surprises with its beautiful and unique appearance at any time of the year. In early spring, its bare branches are adorned with fragrant large flowers. In the hot summer season, inedible, but very beautiful bright orange fruits flaunt against the background of dense and bright greenery. In the autumn months, the foliage is colored in a sunny yellow hue. And in the cold winter cold, the tree stands out against the snowy background with a pleasant light green bark and large thorns on unusually curved branches.
Poncirus is a frost-resistant crop that grows outdoors in almost any climate. The decorative qualities of the plant distinguish it from other representatives of the flora. The airy crown of the ponzirus looks very beautiful, regardless of the season. This graceful and fragrant tree looks great on garden plots of different sizes and in various compositional plantings.
Tripoliata looks like a small, multi-stemmed shrub with a tent-shaped crown and flattened branches with large thorns. In natural conditions, the height of the plant can reach six meters, and in garden plots this figure is two times lower. The foliage and bark of the plant has a light green or bright rich green hue. Large long spines (about 5 cm in length) seem to hide in the axils of glossy yellow-green leaves. The color of the leaf mass changes with the arrival of autumn and takes on a pleasant lemon-yellow hue. The leaves of the poncirus are trifoliate, the average length is from 8 to 10 cm.
The sweet aroma of snow-white flowers emanates from the shrub for 1.5-2 months in April and May, when the poncirus begins to bloom actively. Large single flowers (about 5 cm in diameter) appear on bare branches when the leaves have not yet bloomed and become a real decoration of a spring tree. In the near future, the formation of fruits will begin, and by the beginning of autumn, bright yellow decorative oranges - oranges - will appear. The fruits are covered with a hairy crust, the pulp has a bitter - buttery taste. Their zest contains a large number of useful substances, one of which is essential oil. This valuable component is used for aromatherapy sessions, for aromatizing a room, as well as in the perfumery and cosmetic industry.
In the first 3-4 years, the young poncirus grows very slowly, does not bloom and does not bear fruit. Upon reaching this age, the active development and accelerated growth (about 50 cm per year) of the shrub begins, as well as flowering and fruit formation. The tree is able to resist all types of fungal diseases.
Rules for growing and caring for poncirus
Site selection and lighting requirements
The growing place should be open, sunny, without sudden gusts of wind.The full development and lush flowering of a photophilous shrub depends on the amount of bright light received.
Soil and care for it
It can grow on almost any soil, but gives preference to loose and moderately moist soil. The procedure for loosening the soil near the trunk circle is not carried out.
Pruning
Formative and sanitary pruning tolerates well. In early spring, it is necessary to cut off damaged and dried shoots. To form the height of the crown, its third part is subject to pruning.
Shelter for the winter
When growing wild lemon in harsh winter climates, shelter is essential. It is recommended to use non-woven fabric and spruce branches as a covering material.
Transfer
Experienced gardeners do not advise disturbing the root system of tripolyates with a transplant, since the slightest trauma to the roots will negatively affect the development of the culture. When planting a seedling, it is recommended to dig a deep planting hole.
Fertilizers and feeding
Organic fertilizing is necessary only for mature crops and only in springtime. They are introduced into the soil along with watering.
Watering
The plant does not need regular watering, it has enough nutrition and moisture in the soil and precipitation. With prolonged dry and hot summer weather without rain, watering will still be required - once every 7-10 days.
Temperature regime
The plant can be grown in any climate and any temperature. Even severe frosts are not afraid of him. For example, the poncirus will survive a drop to 20-25 degrees of frost even without additional shelter.
Reproduction of ponzirus
Seed propagation
The seed method of reproduction is considered ineffective due to the low germination of seeds. It is important to consider that dried planting material cannot be used for planting.
Propagation by cuttings
Cutting is the most reliable way, as cuttings root quickly and take root well in a new place.
Poncirus in landscape design
The poncirus is planted as a hedge and also as a decorative ornament. A thick, thorny fence will protect you from uninvited guests (for example, from stray dogs) and will be a wonderful decor on your garden and backyard plot.
Citrus crops can be combined with various types of trees and shrubs. Its neighbors can be a variety of conifers and fruit plants, which will contrast with each other in shades and shapes.
