Citrumelo, 'Swingle'

Citrus 'Swingle'

$32.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 7-10

Hardy Grapefruit Hybrid | Cold-Tolerant Citrus Rootstock | Culinary & Ornamental Use

A resilient and vigorous hybrid of Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) and Poncirus trifoliata (trifoliate orange), ‘Swingle’ Citrumelo is one of the hardiest citrus hybrids available. This semi-evergreen, thorny shrub to small tree features fragrant white citrus blossoms in spring, followed by pear-shaped yellow fruits about the size of a large orange. Though the fruit is quite sour and seedy, it offers bright acidity valued in marmalades, cocktails, marinades, and other culinary applications.

What makes 'Swingle' truly stand out is its exceptional cold hardiness, tolerating temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) or lower once established—making it a top choice for growers in USDA Zones 8b–10 or as a container specimen in colder climates. Its disease resistance and adaptability to various soils have also made it a preferred rootstock for commercial citrus production across the southeastern United States.

Named in honor of Walter Tennyson Swingle, a pioneering citrus breeder and plant explorer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this hybrid remains a testament to the legacy of citrus innovation. Swingle's work introduced countless valuable hybrids to American horticulture, and the Citrumelo is among his most enduring contributions.

Explore the full Woodlanders Citrus Collection.

Key Features:

  • Hardy citrus hybrid to ~10°F

  • Fragrant white flowers in spring

  • Tart, grapefruit-like fruit with culinary potential

  • Excellent rootstock or ornamental citrus substitute

  • Tolerates drought and poor soils once established

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart

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Grown for Success
Propagated at Woodlanders

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Shipping
Expertly packed & shipped in 2-4 biz days

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 7 - 10
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 12 - 15 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 12 - 15 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower/Foliage

Flower Structure: Produces fragrant, white flowers in clusters.

Blooming Season: Blooms in late winter to early spring.

Fruit: The fruit resembles a small grapefruit, with a thick rind and a tart flavor, often used as a rootstock for other citrus varieties.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements: Prefers full sun. Ensure the plant receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.

Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost to improve fertility and drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain water.

Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to ensure the root zone is adequately hydrated. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 8-10. Prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate brief periods of frost. Protect the plant from prolonged cold temperatures and frost by using frost cloths or moving container-grown plants indoors during extreme cold spells.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for citrus trees in early spring and again in late summer. An additional application of micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc can support healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Light pruning helps promote good air circulation and light penetration, which can enhance fruit production and reduce the risk of disease.

Pests and Problems: Can be susceptible to common citrus pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Monitor regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. If fungal issues arise, use appropriate fungicides as needed.

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.