Weeping Ornamental Citrus
Weeping Dragon Citrus
Pickup available at Aiken Nursery
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Weeping Dragon is a citrus bred for the eye rather than the fruit bowl, and a young one by citrus standards. Dr. Kim Bowman of the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Fort Pierce, Florida, released the plant in 2016 from a cross of two of the oddest forms in the whole family: 'Flying Dragon', the contorted trifoliate orange whose twisting branches and curved thorns are said to resemble a dragon's claws, and 'Cipo', a sweet orange whose limbs arch over and trail toward the ground. Bowman had spent years working out how that weeping habit passes from parent to seedling. This is where the work landed.
The branches spill over and cascade, so a plant in a tall pot or set at the top of a wall reads less like a citrus and more like a small weeping tree. Fragrant white blossoms are followed by dozens of small, sour, orange fruit, handsome against the leaves and better for looking at than eating, though anyone who makes marmalade from sour oranges may find a use for them. Like most trifoliate hybrids, expect thorns, and keep the plant back from a busy path.
Cold tolerance has not yet been formally rated. With a trifoliate orange for one parent, Weeping Dragon should prove tougher than an ordinary sweet orange, but until more gardens report in, treat the plant as reliable in the ground in USDA zones 9 and 10 and a fair gamble in a sheltered spot in zone 8. Farther north, grow them in a large container, which shows off the weep anyway, and bring them under cover for hard freezes. Full sun, well-drained soil, and a little room to fall.
A new citrus with a very old kind of charm, the weeping tree, and the one on the terrace that visitors will ask about before they ever notice the fruit.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Soil
- Well-drained
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
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.