Kumquat (Citrus japonica 'Centennial Variegated')

Overview

The appealing Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’ brings vibrancy to edible and ornamental landscapes alike. As a unique selection of Kumquat, it is highly sought after for its dense, glossy green foliage conspicuously marked with white variegation, which extends to its highly attractive fruit. This broadleaf evergreen offers visual interest year-round, punctuated by fragrant blooms in late spring.

This compact Citrus japonica variety is relatively low maintenance while rewarding growers with unusual edibles. Its structure makes it an excellent subject for container culture or as a stunning focal point in the garden. Gardeners appreciate the entire fruit of the Kumquat being palatable, offering a sweet rind and tart interior flavor profile.

Thriving in sunny locations, the ‘Centennial Variegated’ Kumquat requires consistent but manageable care. Its suitability across USDA Zones 9 through 11 ensures many regions can enjoy this fascinating citrus specimen outdoors, while its adaptability allows container growers in cooler climates to bring this beauty inside during winter months.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rutaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 7-10 ft
  • Spread: 5-8 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal health, plant Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’ in loamy, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Planting should occur when frost danger has passed, ensuring the location provides unimpeded full sun exposure throughout the day. The most critical soil requirement is avoiding heavy, saturated conditions, which this Kumquat absolutely does not tolerate.

Watering should aim for consistency, keeping the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged—a medium water need suggests regular check-ins during dry spells. While not explicitly detailed, standard citrus feeding practices usually involve balanced fertilizer applied during the active growing season (spring through early fall) to support fruit and foliage development.

This is an essentially thornless selection, simplifying pruning, though light shaping can be done after blooming to maintain desired form. For those gardening outside Zones 9-11, container culture is essential; move the plant outdoors when temperatures are reliably warm and bring the Kumquat inside to a bright window before the threat of the first frost. The fragrant white flowers self-pollinate easily, setting fruit without needing assistance.

Landscape Uses

The distinctive coloration of Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’ makes it a superb accent plant. Use this compact Kumquat near patios or entryways where its variegated foliage and later, the streaked fruit, can be easily admired. It excels in Mediterranean-style gardens or within an edible landscape design where functionality meets high aesthetic appeal.

Due to its manageable size, the ‘Centennial Variegated’ Kumquat is highly successful in large containers or decorative pots. This portability allows gardeners, especially those in marginal hardiness zones, to utilize it seasonally outdoors and provide necessary winter protection indoors. Pair established plantings with drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs or other compact, sun-loving ornamentals.

The highly edible fruits of the Kumquat lend themselves perfectly to culinary applications. Whether used fresh, sliced thin for salads, or processed into jellies and preserves, having this fruiting ornamental nearby ensures a unique annual harvest.

Flower Qualities

• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

The Citrus japonica, commonly known as kumquat, is a small, evergreen tree native to southern and eastern Asia, first appearing in Chinese literature in the 12th century. It presents dark green, glossy, elliptic foliage on thin, dense branches, and while older specimens may have thorns, this ‘Centennial Variegated’ selection is considered essentially thornless. This variety features stunning white and green variegated foliage, and its fruits display contrasting green/yellow streaks when immature, ripening to orange/red streaks with a sweet-tart flavor and strong citrus aroma.

Tolerances

No tolerances data was provided.

Potential Problems

While robust in the landscape, Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’ can face common citrus pests when grown indoors as containerized specimens. Watch actively for spider mites, whiteflies, and scale insects, which thrive in the drier, warmer environments typical of indoor wintering locations. Regular inspection, especially under the leaves, combined with periodic washing or the application of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, is the best managerial approach against these common houseplant issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Kumquat suitable for?

The Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’ is hardy in USDAZones 9 through 11, requiring frost protection when temperatures drop outside this range.

How large does Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’ grow?

This cultivar typically reaches a height between 7 and 10 feet, with a spread spanning 5 to 8 feet at maturity.

When does Kumquat bloom?

The plant produces its fragrant white blooms between May and June, leading to the development of its uniquely variegated fruit over the growing season.

What sun exposure does Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’ need?

It requires full sun for healthy growth, flowering, and optimal fruit production.

Conclusion

The ‘Centennial Variegated’ Kumquat offers a trifecta of appeal: striking variegated evergreen foliage, aromatic spring flowers, and unique edible citrus fruit. This low-maintenance specimen, Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated,’ is a fantastic addition to edible or ornamental collections in appropriate hardiness zones. Before planting, ensure your site offers plenty of sun and well-draining soil to maximize the beauty and productivity of your new Kumquat.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate neighbors for your Kumquat enhances overall garden health and aesthetic. Since this species prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil and full sun, look for companion plants sharing similar needs. Low-growing Mediterranean herbs like Rosemary or Thyme thrive in similar conditions and can serve as attractive, aromatic groundcovers beneath the canopy of the Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’.

Avoid planting moisture-loving perennials directly beneath the tree, as this can encourage soil saturation, which the Kumquat actively dislikes. Instead, group it with other sun-loving, relatively low-water ornamentals common to the edible garden, such as lavender or certain compact rosemary varieties, ensuring competition for water does not favor the companion over your valuable citrus tree.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is critical for initiating growth; ensure consistent watering resumes as temperatures rise after the last frost date. This is the ideal time to apply fertilizer to support the May to June bloom period of the Kumquat. Summer care focuses mainly on maintaining that medium water requirement, particularly important if the plant is containerized and exposed to high heat.

In autumn, gardeners in zones near the limits (Zone 9) should monitor forecasts closely; if frost is predicted, prepare containerized Citrus japonica ‘Centennial Variegated’ for relocation indoors to a bright location until spring returns. Winter maintenance is minimal, focusing on reducing water slightly unless the plant is actively growing indoors, and inspecting for dormant pests. Spring cleanup involves removing any dead or damaged foliage before active new growth begins.