Grapefruit – Star Ruby

Citrus × paradisi ‘Star Ruby’ | Deep red-fleshed grapefruit with sweet-tart flavour and striking colour

The Star Ruby Grapefruit is a premium citrus cultivar prized for its richly pigmented ruby-red flesh, smooth yellow rind often with a blush-red tint, and juicy, slightly tart flavour. It stands out for its dramatic fruit colour and fresh eating appeal, whilst also making a strong statement in edible landscapes and container plantings.

Plant Care

Sun: Full sun is essential for strong fruit set and rich colour development
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained; improve free-draining or poorer soils with compost and organic matter
Water: Moderate — maintain even moisture especially during flowering and fruit ripening; avoid prolonged drought or water-logging
Fertiliser: Balanced citrus feed in early spring and again midsummer; ensure micronutrients (iron, magnesium) are available if foliage shows pale signs
Pruning: Light pruning after harvest to open canopy and remove dead or crossing branches; ensure good air circulation
Top tip: Mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature; protect from cold or frost if planted in marginal climates or in containers

Specifications

Botanical name: Citrus × paradisi ‘Star Ruby’
Common name: Star Ruby Grapefruit
Growth habit: Upright tree with moderately spreading canopy
Size: Typically ±3-5 m H × ±2-4 m W in garden conditions (smaller when container-grown or managed)
Fruit: Medium to large round fruit; smooth yellow rind often with a blush-red tint
Flesh: Deep ruby-red colour, very juicy, sweet with a mild tartness, and generally low in seeds
Harvest: Late winter through early spring depending on climate and local conditions
Uses: Fresh eating, juicing, ornamental fruiting tree or container specimen

Quick Facts

• Exceptionally attractive deep-red flesh — a standout visual and edible citrus.
• Sweet-tart flavour profile and juicy texture — ideal for fresh consumption.
• Suitable for full sun garden planting or large containers with proper care.