Imperial Mandarin Tree

Citrus Reticulata 'Imperial'

The Citrus reticulata 'Imperial', commonly known as the Imperial Mandarin, is a highly cherished evergreen tree known for its easy-peel, sweet, and juicy fruits. This variety stands out in both home gardens and commercial production due to its exceptionally tasty mandarins.

Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen
Mature Height (metres): Typically grows to about 3-4 metres.
Mature Width (metres): Approximately 3 metres.
Spacing: Plant at least 3 metres apart from other trees to ensure adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Foliage: Features shiny, dark green leaves that provide a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant orange fruit.
Flowering Period: Produces small, white, aromatic flowers typically in spring, which are not only visually appealing but also emit a delightful fragrance.
Fruit: Yields rich, vibrant orange mandarins known for their sweetness and thin, easy-to-peel skin. The fruits usually mature in mid to late winter, providing a delightful treat during the cooler months.
Form/Habit: Characterized by a compact and bushy growth habit, making it ideal for smaller garden spaces and decorative container planting.
Uses: Perfect for fresh eating due to the fruit’s sweet flavor and manageable size. The Imperial Mandarin is also a popular choice for juicing and culinary use. Its compact size makes it suitable for urban gardens and patios.
Sun: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to develop the best fruit quality.
Maintenance: Low maintenance; requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, and benefits from citrus-specific fertilizer applications during the growing period. Pruning should be done to remove any dead or overlapping branches to maintain plant health and enhance air circulation.
Water Requirement: Moderate; consistent watering is important, particularly when the tree is flowering and fruiting. Ensures good drainage to avoid root rot.

The Citrus reticulata 'Imperial' mandarin tree not only provides a bountiful yield of delicious fruits but also adds a fragrant and colourful element to any garden setting. Its relatively compact size and delightful floral display make it an attractive addition, perfect for those seeking both aesthetic beauty and practical fruit production.