Bergamot orange Citrus bergamia
Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rutaceae family, native to Arose in cultivation in Calabria, southern Italy (bitter orange × lemon). It grows 3–5 m (10–16 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
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Bergamot orange at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: sour juice, peel oil (Earl Grey tea) |
| Native to | Arose in cultivation in Calabria, southern Italy (bitter orange × lemon) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇫🇷 France, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇷 Greece |
Is Bergamot orange toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, peel oils
Citrus oils and psoralens are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, light sensitivity).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bergamot orange
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Bergamot orange
- How far apart should I plant Bergamot orange?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Bergamot orange need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bergamot orange need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bergamot orange?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Bergamot orange flower?
- From about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bergamot orange poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Citrus oils and psoralens are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, light sensitivity).
- What grows well with Bergamot orange?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bergamot orange. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UC IPM degree-day models and pest notes, University of California
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Grown for the oil in its rind, which flavours Earl Grey tea and perfumes; the fruit is too sour to eat fresh.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia