Fortunella margarita
Light: Full sun; in Phoenix, provide afternoon shade from intense western sun, especially for young trees and container plants.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation; allow the upper 2–3 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat and reduce in winter. Keep water away from the trunk; container plants need more frequent checks.
Soil: Well-drained soil; slightly acidic soil preferred, but tolerates alkaline conditions with appropriate nutrient management. Avoid waterlogged soil and plant with the root flare slightly above grade.
Mature size: Usually 8–15 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide in the ground; smaller on dwarfing rootstock or in containers.
Bloom: Fragrant flowers appear mainly in late spring and summer; fruit typically ripens in winter into spring.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate.