Japanese bitter orange

Quite rare as a garden shrub, Poncirus trifoliata is deciduous with distinct leaves on green stems with long thorns, but its main draw is it fantastically scented flowers in late spring followed by orange/green coloured mandarin sized fruit which have an attractive downy coating and hang on the tree well into Winter. Due to its thorns, it has been utilized as a stock-proof hedge, even known to keep back the must brutish of grazers, while also providing an interesting food source for humans (marmalade!) and wildlife alike.

Site: Tolerates some exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of Interest: Evergreen, white flowers in Spring, edible Autumn/Winter fruit
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 20ft (6m) Spread: 20ft (6m)