Orange Trees

More About Orange Trees

Why Orange Trees are Grown in Containers in the UK

In the UK, orange trees are almost always grown in pots rather than planted in the ground. This is mainly because they are not frost hardy, so growing in a container means you have much better control of the soil conditions.

Citrus plants thrive in Mediterranean conditions and require excellent drainage, but dislike sitting in cold, wet compost, which is common in UK garden soil. Growing orange trees in containers allows you to provide a free-draining citrus compost, plus you can move your plants to a protected position as temperatures fall - as they do each and every year!

Flowers, Fruit and Evergreen Appeal

Orange trees are valued as much for their appearance as for their fruit. Glossy evergreen leaves will give your home colour during winter, while the spring and early summer months bring clusters of highly scented white flowers. These may be followed by decorative fruit that will ripen on the tree over many months. Varieties such as the Calamondin Orange are especially popular for their neat, bushy shape and abundant flowers, making them ideal feature plants for patios, conservatories and bright indoor spaces.

Caring for an Orange Tree in the UK

Orange trees need as much light as possible to stay healthy and flower well. From late spring through summer, a warm, sunny and sheltered spot outdoors is ideal. During cold months, orange trees should be moved indoors and positioned in a bright location away from cold draughts and radiators. Detailed orange tree care is covered in our citrus growing guide, and understanding their seasonal rhythm helps explain why orange trees grow best when treated as movable, container-grown plants in the UK.