How to Grow Wampee
Clausena lansium
Wampee is a subtropical evergreen fruit tree from southern China, bearing large drooping clusters of aromatic, grape-like fruit. It thrives in full sun, fertile well-drained soil, and a frost-free climate. In temperate regions, grow in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory, or in a large container brought indoors before first frost. Feed with a citrus-type fertiliser in spring and summer. Prune lightly after harvest to keep the canopy open. Fruit ripens in midsummer and should be eaten fresh. Self-fertile.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a balanced citrus-type fertiliser in early spring and again in early summer. A potash-rich feed in late summer supports fruit ripening.
Watch For
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Fruit flies
- Root rot in poorly drained soil
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; high light essential for fruiting
Wampee needs full sun for good flowering and fruit development. In a greenhouse, place in the brightest position. Poor light results in vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.
Watering
Regular watering; well-drained soil; reduce in winter
Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the tree is less active. Good drainage is critical to avoid root rot.
Fertilizing
Citrus feed in spring and summer; potash in late summer
Apply a balanced citrus fertiliser in early spring and again in early summer. Switch to a potash-rich feed in late summer to support fruit ripening. Avoid feeding in autumn and winter.
Pruning
Light pruning after harvest for open canopy
Prune lightly after harvest to remove crossing and inward-facing branches and maintain an open canopy. Wampee tolerates harder renovation pruning if needed to reduce size.
Spacing
3.5–4 m between trees; large pots for containers
Allow 3.5–4 m between trees in the ground. In containers, use the largest practical pot (minimum 60 cm diameter) and repot every 3–4 years. Container trees can be kept smaller with annual pruning.
Support
Stake young trees for first 2–3 years
Stake young trees for the first 2–3 years until the trunk is strong enough to be self-supporting. Container-grown trees may need permanent support if the crown becomes heavy with fruit.
Growing Tips
Frost protection is essential
Wampee tolerates light frosts briefly but is best kept frost-free. In temperate climates, grow in a large pot and move indoors or into a heated greenhouse before the first frost.
Related to citrus — treat similarly
Wampee is in the Rutaceae family alongside citrus. Use citrus compost and fertiliser, ensure excellent drainage, and provide high light levels for best fruiting.
Harvest clusters whole
Cut entire fruit clusters rather than picking individual fruits to avoid damaging the thin skin. The fruit keeps only 3–5 days at room temperature; refrigerate to extend.
Aromatic leaves are a bonus
The leaves and young shoots are highly aromatic, used in South Chinese cuisine to flavour meats and fish. Young leaves can be used without affecting the crop.
