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