Pollinator Edible Best Seller Fragrant

Keraji Mandarin

Citrus reticulata 'Keraji'

$32.00
1 Gallon USDA Zones 8–10 Full Sun Matures 10–12 Feet

Citrus reticulata 'Keraji' ripens small, flattened mandarins with a sweet-lemonade flavor unlike any other citrus, on a hardy, nearly thornless tree.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.

Woodlanders has long led in offering citrus and citrus hybrids hardy well beyond the usual citrus belt, and the Keraji mandarin is a favorite of the group. A medium-sized evergreen tree with the usual fragrant white citrus flowers, Keraji follows them with what Tom McClendon, in Hardy Citrus for the Southeast, calls "small, yellow, flattened tangerines that have a sweet lemonade taste unlike any other citrus fruits." That flavor is the whole reason to grow the tree, and Keraji has proven quite hardy in Augusta, Georgia since 1997.

In the garden, grow Keraji in full sun and sharp, well-drained soil, in the ground through zones 8 to 10 or in a large container to overwinter farther north. Nearly thornless and reliably productive, the tree suits an edible landscape, a sunny border, or a patio pot, and perfumes the air in spring. Site where the fragrant bloom and the sweet-lemonade fruit can both be enjoyed, and keep a plant near the kitchen for mandarins off the branch.

Photos by George Mitchell, David Karp and Toni Siebert, CVC.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 8–10
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 10–12 Feet · Spread 6–8 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Design Notes

A hardy, productive mandarin for the edible landscape and the adventurous Southern grower, grown above all for the sweet-lemonade flavor of the fruit. Plant in full sun and sharp, well-drained soil, in the ground through zones 8 to 10 or in a large container to shelter farther north. Nearly thornless and broad-crowned, Keraji suits a sunny border, a courtyard, or a patio pot, and perfumes the whole area in spring. Site where the fragrant bloom and the late-hanging fruit can both be enjoyed, and pair with other hardy citrus in a fruit garden.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

White fragrant citrus flowers

Flowers
The usual white citrus blossom, waxy and sweetly fragrant, through spring.

Fruit
The reason for the fuss. Small flattened mandarins, broader than they are tall, ripening deep yellow to light orange with a slightly rough, puffy rind that slips off in the hand. The flesh is orange, juicy, and low in acid, carrying a flavor growers reach for the same words to describe every time: sweet lemonade, unlike any other citrus. A bit seedy, and worth it. They hang late, ripening through fall and into winter.

Foliage
Evergreen and nearly thornless on a vigorous, broad, open-crowned tree, the leaves a bright lanceolate green. A hard freeze can strip them, which they take in stride and replace.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun; at least six to eight hours of direct sun a day.

Soil. Rich, sharply drained sandy loam or a quality citrus mix; avoid heavy, wet clay.

Water. Keep evenly moist but never waterlogged, letting the top inch dry between waterings; ease off in winter.

Pruning. Prune lightly in late winter to shape and to clear dead or crossing wood; remove any rootstock suckers.

Harvest. Fruit hangs late, ripening through fall into winter; pick as the little tangerines color up and slip their skins.

Hardiness. USDA zones 8 to 10; hardier than most mandarins, with container culture farther north.

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.

Woodlanders Growing Process

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.

Sustainable Growing Practices

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.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

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.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
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
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

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.

Read the care guide
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.