'Flying Dragon', which is the contorted form of Poncirus trifoliata, is the only dwarfing rootstock for citrus. It produces a smaller tree than normal. Other rootstocks may cause a bit of variation in how vigorously the tree grows, but there really is no such thing as a semi-dwarf. There is confusion over the term 'standard'. This can either mean it grows at the standard rate and to the normal size, or it can mean the tree has been grafted high up on a tall rootstock to produce a definite trunk with growth near the top. Nurseries then add to the confusion by describing a tree that has been grafted lower down as dwarf or semi-dwarf. All it really means is the tree will branch lower down, but not that it will grow more slowly or finally form a smaller tree. If you want a small tree and the rootstock is Flying Dragon, then buy it - ignore anything else on the label about dwarf or semi-dwarf.

While I certainly can't rule out some root issues or girdling without digging up the tree, I don't see evidence of this on the trunk (ie. compressed on one side etc). Also I don't mean that is has not grown at all, but it has not really grown taller. Nearly all growth has been lateral, and even downward. Plus it's foliage is dense for a Ginkgo. I also see that I didn't make clear enough that the "flopping over" is the trunk bending over and no longer supporting itself, despite having more than doubled in caliper since the first measurement 5 years ago. I also failed to indicate that this tree is about 6.5' tall. I have attached the only picture I have available with me at this moment so that you can see more clearly. I didn't attach it before, due to the picture being back light making it somewhat difficult to see what is going on. Sorry for the poor quality. Still there are branches growing downward clearly visible. There has also been significant side ward growth this season, but NOTHING upward. Thanks to you all Alley_cat, Dax, and Sara. This is exactly what I need. People to help me think it through. It is much appreciated. Arktrees

Well, I was giving a general answer but I will expound. Some lemons and I believe limes have only faint purple coloring, or initial purple coloring that fades very quickly in hot weather. I have personally observed both purple and green tipped new growth on my lemon at the same time, so it is not a hard and fast rule that the flowers 'have' to be purple, especially with the current season. Just in general they are.

Thanks, everyone! I was away for a few days in an internet-free area (yes, there still are such places) and couldn't acknowledge all your wise advice. Rabains, it's my knowledge that is faulty. Not the roses. :) Roseseek, since you've lived in this area, I really value your input. Doesn't sound as if either multiflora or fortuniana is ideally suited for the climate. Then again -- Buford -- you're enabling me! Of course I'll buy something from Palatine in the spirit of experimentation. Zack, your climate and soil sound like total opposites to mine. When I stick something in the (very alkaline) ground, there's always a chance it will just keel over. Nanadoll, I know what you're saying about Huey. I am constantly grubbing up little volunteers from where I removed maybe six of them last year. It's basically a weed. Jerijen, I thought we didn't have virus problems here in SoCal? Not saying I don't -- I probably do -- but generally Zone 10 is considered better for that than four-season climates with wet summers, no? Like Ken's ... although winters are probably mild in NE GA, we have virtually rainless summers and the dominant color is beige, not green. Nick, I don't know anything about Canina, but I have read somewhere that it is a reliable rootstock. Why can't we get it here? Why can't I order from those luscious European nurseries? The answers are shrouded in red tape. Diane, you cut to the chase. I'm sure the vendors list the rootstock -- I just don't remember/haven't looked (lazy by nature). Overall, it seems as if the One True Fact still holds -- if you have the right rose for the right spot (one with sun, water and decent soil), things will go well. Otherwise, it's a gamble. But I keep on rolling those dice ... THANKS! Sylvia