Variegated Calamansi
× Citrofortunella microcarpa
“'$29.99 at Costco.' Variegated foliage, tart fruit — pretty and productive.”
Background
Calamansi (calamondin) is a kumquat × mandarin (Citrus reticulata) hybrid of Chinese origin, distributed early through Indonesia and the Philippines, where it is the defining sour citrus of the cuisine; introduced to the US as an 'acid orange' circa 1900. The variegated form is a spontaneous mutation (sold as Citrus mitis variegata / Citrofortunella microcarpa variegata) grown for its ornamental foliage and striped fruit; historical details of the mutation's origin are thin.
Distinguishing traits
Compact broadleaf evergreen (10-20 ft in ground, much smaller in pots); striking green-and-cream striped foliage and green-striped fruit that ripen orange. Fruit ~1-1.25 in, round; sweet peel with intensely sour, tangerine-orange pulp (8-12 seeds); used as a lime/lemon substitute, in drinks, marmalades, and Filipino dishes. Fragrant white flowers late spring-early summer; bears nearly year-round.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Very low.
- Cold hardiness
- More cold-tolerant than most true citrus (~26°F) but still needs frost protection for young plants in 85142.
- Heat tolerance
- Handles desert heat; variegated foliage can sunburn — afternoon shade helps keep the variegation attractive.
- Water
- Regular; keep consistently moist (not soggy) during flowering and fruiting; 1-2x/week summer.
- Soil
- Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral; keep moist in flower and fruit set.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; excellent patio/container plant.