it is used as rootstock for its cold hardiness and resistance to disease and rot.

if you cover it and mulch the base during freezes it'll probably survive.

FD is a very slow growing plant... you will need a lot of patience; and it will NEVER produce edible fruit.

If you follow the basic rules- southern siting, some protection in the winter, etc, yes it will survive and probably flourish.

The fruits are horrid. That is a universal fact disputed by no one. However, I have read that if you cook them (pie, jelly, etc), that does tone down the oily taste and you could end up with something tolerable. But better to hit the market.

In any case, they are cool looking shrubs. Like something from another world.

I live in zone 6 and have a poncirus trifolate that I planted three years ago as a 1 year old seedling. The first winter it benefited from a neighboring perennial that leaned over and covered it throughout the winter, but has had no further protection since. Last year its trunk was buried in snow about 14 inches deep for weeks on end. It currently stands about 7 feet high and is in a southern exposure between an asphalt driveway and a white house. I neglected to plant my flying dragon seedling last summer, and by the time I remembered, it was too close to fall to expect a good result. I do fully intend to do so this spring. They can definitely thrive in a zone 6 climate. One year of protection, along with a well thought out location, is all that is necessary. The fruit, in my opinion, cannot get past your nose, so who would even consider placing them in their mouth? They are beautiful trees, however, and many a neighbor will stop and ask you about it. They will probably also walk away thinking that you are half crazy! lol I have mine for rootstock, because grafting is a goal of mine.

Thank you Justfigured! I can plant it against our fence, that way it won't matter if it gets huge. Maybe I'll plant it near our neighbors, they're always letting their dogs, cats, pigs, etc loose so maybe they'll stay away if the flying dragon is around, ha ha!

Hey Mersipoo!!!
Yep, you're Poncirus will grow in z6...the only warning I have is, in winter, place fencing around it.

I'm in z5. My P. flying dragon lived 3 years. Like John said, it's slow growing.
Someone walked across my front yard, stepped and broke my Poncirus to bits. I found it the next day, crumpled..That's why I suggest fencing. :)

Mulch in late autumn when temps are around 35-40. Fertilizer with a citrus fertilizer or whatever you use for other citrus.
Stop fertilizing in Aug/Sept.

When all signs of frost are gone, spread mulch. You can leave it since it'll prevent weeds, then eventually break up.

Poncirus fruit, but they're loaded w/seeds and very bitter.

Good luck, Toni

Mersiepoo, I have heard that poncirus trifoliate, flying dragon being one, were used back in the day as a natural barrier to contain cattle. I am sure your idea of using it to deter entry of your neighbors wandering pets will work with proper placement. I was thinking that planting one under each first floor window would be better that your average security service! My trifoliate has 4 inch thorns, and they hurt...I wouldn't want to tangle with it in the middle of the night.

LOL! That is a good idea justfigured. If it fruits, I'll have to throw the seeds on our neighbors property, spread the love, so to speak. :) Just don't fall out of your window, or they'll need the fire department to help untangle you!

Hello there HopefulAuthor! Long time no see! I'm glad you are still on the fragrant forum, I'll have to upload and post pics of my gardenia, it's still alive, amazingly enough. Hope you and MM, Butterfly and everyone are still doing great!