Citrus trifoliata X Citrus paradisi

Citrumelo 'Dunstan'

$42.00
Edible

| Hardiness Zones 7-10

A Hardy Heirloom Hybrid of Trifoliate Orange and Grapefruit

The Citrumelo ‘Dunstan’ is a child of contrasts: born of the rugged trifoliate orange (Citrus trifoliata) and the sunlit grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). Out of this unlikely marriage comes a fruit and tree of remarkable merit. Its golden-yellow spheres swell to nearly four inches across, exhaling a fragrance that, when touched with sugar, recalls the tart refreshment of a grapefruit plucked just shy of ripeness. Here is fruit that is both rustic and refined, bred for survival yet still hinting of the orchard’s delicacy.

Garden writers and plant men have called ‘Dunstan’ perhaps the best of the trifoliate hybrids—“the best overall hybrid with 50 percent trifoliate parentage.” It is not only its flavor that earns such praise, but its extraordinary constitution. Where ordinary citrus falter at the first winter frost, the ‘Dunstan’ endures. It is said to be among the hardiest of all citrus, a tree that will hold its ground in southern landscapes where grapefruit and orange could never hope to thrive. For gardeners seeking both sustenance and experiment, here is a treasure: extremely hard to find, but worth the search.

The ‘Dunstan’ grows as a small, handsome tree with glossy, green leaves that fall in autumn, leaving a silhouette of strength against the winter sky. In spring, fragrant white blossoms adorn its branches, whispering of the fruit to come. Come autumn, its yellow globes ripen, offering a harvest that is as much story as sustenance.

This is not a fruit for every table, but for the adventurous grower, the historian of southern gardens, the seeker of hardy citrus, and the lover of heirlooms. In ‘Dunstan’ lies a lesson in survival, resilience, and the unexpected beauty of hybrid vigor.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart

icon img

Grown for Success
Propagated at Woodlanders

icon img

Shipping
Expertly packed & shipped in 2-4 biz days

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 7 - 10
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 10 - 15 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 8 - 10 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Evergreen
Flower/Foliage

Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Planting Location

Choose a sunny place, for this hybrid is a true child of citrus and thrives best where it can drink in the full day’s light. Shelter from prevailing winter winds will give added protection. Though tolerant of varied soils, it prefers a sandy loam that drains freely. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.

Soil Preparation

Enrich the planting hole with compost or well-rotted organic matter, but do not allow the young tree’s roots to sit in constant dampness. Slight acidity to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0) will please it most.

Watering

Water deeply and regularly in the first year as the roots establish. Thereafter, the ‘Dunstan’ proves forgiving—tolerant of short droughts once settled. In times of extreme heat or extended dryness, a thorough soaking will keep fruit swelling and foliage fresh.

Fertilization

Feed in spring as the sap stirs, and again in midsummer. A balanced citrus fertilizer or organic blend high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will suffice. Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture, but keep mulch pulled back from the trunk.

Pruning

Prune only to shape or remove dead, crossing, or weak branches. The tree’s natural form is strong and handsome, needing little correction. Remove suckers from the rootstock to direct vigor into the main growth.

Cold Hardiness & Protection

Here lies the ‘Dunstan’s’ great gift—it will withstand cold far better than most citrus, surviving temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) and even lower once mature. In its youth, however, offer a winter blanket of straw or frost cloth during severe freezes. With age, the tree becomes stout and resilient.

Pests & Disease

Generally hardy, though occasional aphids, scale, or leaf miners may visit. A firm spray of water, horticultural oil, or an organic insecticidal soap usually restores order. Good air circulation prevents fungal mischief.

Harvesting

Fruit ripens in autumn to early winter. The yellow globes are ready when they detach easily with a twist. While their taste is sharper than standard grapefruit, sprinkled with sugar they carry a brightness that refreshes and surprises.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.