Thanks Joe! I did a google search with that name and it seems that is exactly what I have. I've been wondering for a while what this was and am thrilled to finally know. Thanks again! -Jill

alan- That was my initial reaction, too. I'm in Zone 8 and grow a number of clumpers (non-tropical), but our summers here in the Pacific NW are very mild, and the clumpers I can grow do not do well in hot climates. Maybe there is something that will work, but it would be a real balancing act. If the OP wants fast-growing, large, and hardy, then a runner makes a lot more sense. If there is plenty of room to spread out, there is no reason why some annual rhizome pruning wouldn't take care of any problems.

From what I understand they are hardy here unless it gets very cold OR they are young. I think if you just got them this year you might want to overwinter them inside for the first winter to be safe, or take cuttings as backup. I have one that I overwintered in the garage last year, so I am no expert, but this winter I will leave it in the ground and see if it makes it. Piling some leaves or mulch on might not be a bad idea, though. That tends to attract voles, but maybe they'll eat the brug and poison themselves. Wouldn't that be nice? Good luck! -Ais.

Softmentor - You are very right on the many number of factors that determine cold hardiness (others we did not mention: acclamation to cold and overall health of the tree)...there is certainly no "magic number." I have found that upper 20's for a few hours are fine for oranges, grapefruit, and meyer lemons. Other lemons, citrons, limes, etc. wouldn't like that I am sure. From my understanding, Trifoliate orange rootstalk actually does add some protection because it is the only citrus that goes completely dormant in the winter. According to John Panzarella (a local citrus guru for Southeast Texas), "PT goes dormant in the winter, so reduces the water flow to the scion and gives the scion a few degrees of cold protection. PT will not start growing and producing tender new growth with a few days of warm weather in the winter." The last sentence is especially important for Texas, as in the winter we have frequent gulf breezes battling arctic cold fronts. So far, here are my unprotected lows for my varieties: Rio Red Grapefruits (2 trees planted at the same time by previous owner)- 26 F (4 years old, south side of house, pine trees overhead) -- tree was covered in snow (maybe insulated it a bit??), I was very surprised that there was no damage. Okistu Satsuma - 29 F (planted fall 2008, north side in the yard, no overhead protection at all) Meyer Lemon - 28 F (planted spring 2007, north side of house, no overhead protection) Moro Blood Orange - 28 F (planted spring 2007, in yard with no protection) Lakeland Limequat - 29 F (planted fall 2008, north side of house, 2 feet from brick exterior of house) As you can see, this is a very small sample size and only a brief history of data. Last winter was pretty warm, as has this winter so far. I wish I had a better way of measuring the length of the freeze and other variables.