Perhaps tolerance to things like too much or too little water; in my limited experience Macrophylla is resistant and tolerant. As for the size factor, I doubt the rootstock has near the impact that the container itself does. Almost any tree grown in a container will be smaller and produce less that the same tree planted in the ground. Perhaps the most known example is the rootstock that Four Winds has used for a long time (rumor is they are going away from it), Cuban Shaddock, is a type of Pomelo; and in the ground it is not dwarfing; but in containers, they sell it as "semi-dwarfing".

I don't have the luxury of getting to choose my rootstock in my area. I take what I can get!

I have saved all my tags though so as my trees get older it will be interesting to see which has better vigor, growth, size etc.

The outcome of this winter will be interesting as it will be the first time everyone is in the same mix, 511, so it will be a good time to compare.

And that's quite enough talk of winter for now!!

I have kept all my tags also, except for the first ever citrus I bought. It will be interesting to compare!

Just curious when you guys buy trees online, do the tags they come with show the rootstock?

Evan

Of course it matters. You wouldn't want a vigorous rootstock in a container long term. Unless your willing to use a very, very large container. Historically full size trees were kept in containers by the rich of a few nations. But those containers were hundreds of gallons and every few years they would remove the soil, prune the roots, and replace the soil. I belive the containers were traditionally square and they would do one side out of 4 every year. It's been a while since I have read about the European orangeries of the past.

and yes the trees were dwarfed. Full size in this case means trees not grafted to dwarfing rootstock.

Harris, and briteleaf tell you the stock. Four winds won't even if you ask. Depends on supplier.

pip,

"a vigorous rootstock in a container".... vigorous, does not mean it produces more roots; it means it imparts vigor to the scion; it also may mean it is aggressive (watch out for suckers), resistant to some conditions, etc. My Macrophylla rootstock does very well in containers....long term?.. I don't really know; but I have some Cara Cara oranges that are 7 years now in the same pot and producing lots of oranges.

Some do have more vigorous roots. More roots is more growth potential. That's why other species have dwarfs that have to be staked.

Pip

It looks like the USPS still use the pony express between Cincinnati and and Troy. It is also apparent that the USPS sold their horses and bought donkeys to do the job. Did anything survive.

Evan, no, the tags say nothing about rootstock. I asked when I called Harris recently and they were happy to share, but I don't remember all she said...

All moldy and dead.

my Harris do say rootstock. Kuh for kuhazaki carrizo fd for flying dragon.

I believe that is Kuharski carrizo, a cultivar that is apparently less susceptible to nematodes and perhaps phytophera than the standard carrizo.

Pip, now I will check mine. They probably do say it, but I did not realize that's what it meant.

I asked because it never occurred to me to even make it matter growing them in pots..Most places I just order or buy when I can and wondered if growth rate or even lousy growth is related to the root stock even though you provide them great care......

It's not critically important but if your gonna buy a tree why get one that's "more compatible" with what your trying to do.