Citrus 'Buddha's Hand'
Buddha's hand
An evergreen shrub with large glossy green leaves and spines. It has highly fragrant white flowers, at almost any time of year which may develop into curiously-shaped fingered yellow fruit. These are ornamental and also beautifully scented
Other common names
Buddha's hand citronSynonyms
Citrus 'Buddha's Hand'Citrus medica 'Cidro Digitado'
see moreCitrus medica 'Hand of Buddha'
Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
Citrus medica var. digitata
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | Yellow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Yellow | |
| Autumn | White | Green | Yellow | |
| Winter | White | Green | Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Citrus are typically evergreen shrubs or trees, frequently spiny, with simple, leathery, aromatic leaves, usually with winged stalks, and often fragrant white or pink-tinged flowers, followed by large, juicy fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of loam-based potting compost (JI No. 2) with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Prunng group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to citrus red spider mite and glasshouse red spider mite, soft scale and fluted scale, aphids, caterpillars and mealybugs under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.