Container Dwarf Fruit Tree Recommendations? Zone 8a Coastal Virginia

6 years ago

Looking to potentially plant some dwarf fruit trees for our backyard/deck. Any recommendations for zone 8a (Coastal Southeast Virginia). We love all types of fruit, but would love to incorporate a citrus variety (if possible). We do have a small greenhouse and storage shed that can be used during winter to protect varieties (if needed).

I've seen lots of fig trees in our neighborhood and in the surrounding area, but I'd like to hear what other options we may have. I've really focused on expanding our vegetable garden the last few years, but don't know much about fruit and/or fruit trees. We have a smaller property, so we won't have room to plant any in-ground varieties. I've tried searching online, but seem to get lots of mixed reviews/suggestions.

Thanks so much for your suggestions in advance.

Featured Answer

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

For in-ground in your region, loquat, peaches, plums, pineapple guava, pomegranates, apples, pears, nectarines, figs, persimmons. Persimmons are fantastic and have few bug problems. I love my Asian Fuyu persimmon. Pomegranates do well in your region too, as well as loquat. Hardy citrus (trifoliata hybrids) are mostly grown as novelty and many don't like the oily overtones. An exception might be Thomasville Citrangequat which is sour, but good. Morton citrange approaches edibility.

For more tender edible citrus (mostly in containers or with brief protection during cold snaps) I love any of the Satsuma mandarins. Lemons are always good, but you should grow what you are most likely to use and can't always find at the super market. Pesian Limes, Key limes, Kumquats, Mandarinquat, oranges are always good as well. Depends on what you really like.

For truly tropical fruits, mango (like Pickering), Jaboticaba, guava (Psidium), Dwarf banana, etc.

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Comments (7)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Your local extension service is always going to have the best information on this topic. Any varieties recommended will be closely tied to local growing conditions and climate. If you wish to grow in containers, make sure you pick mini's or dwarf varieties, as these will be able to tolerate a container's cramped growing environment and still be moderately productive. You should be able to grow any citrus you like although pretty much any selection will require winter protection (the greenhouse) in your climate.

Be sure to consider cross pollination requirements.

Tree Fruits for Virginia Gardens
Kevin Reilly
6 years ago
Blueberry and fig fruit really well in containers. Citrus and guava fruit well but would need winter protection. You don’t really need to worry about rootstock the container will dwarf the tree.
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wvuphan
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you both for the suggestions!
trianglejohn
6 years ago
I'm in zone 7b one state south of you in Raleigh. I have a large fruit and veg garden as well as a greenhouse for tropicals. I get more fruit off of the potted plants in the greenhouse or outside than I do off of any of the fruit trees. The potted super dwarf peaches and nectarines are less work and out produce the trees in the ground by a long shot. Citrus in pots (large or small) can produce a lot of fruit, same with guavas. Kumquats do well in pots and handle some cold but fruit better in a greenhouse. There are citrus hybrids that will survive your area but the fruit is usually pretty harsh and resinous (I still eat them). Besides figs, you should try Pineapple Guava also known as Feijoa, its a guava relative that is pretty cold hardy. The fruit has its own special flavor that not everybody loves. Kiwi vines are super productive but they take up a lot of space and require a lot of pruning - I mean constant pruning to keep them in line. Grapes and muscadines are good for grapes. Check out Ediblelandscaping.com in Afton VA. That's where most of the odd ball fruit growers around here buy their plants. Worth the drive and you can check out Monticello while you're in the neighborhood.
wvuphan
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks, John! Really appreciate all of the insight. Do you have a specific variety of super dwarf peaches that you recommend? We definitely want to grow a variety of peaches. I'll be sure to check out edible landscaping as well.
wvuphan
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for this great information, Dave! We are limited on space in our backyard garden area, so leaning more towards container trees. Thank you for your suggestions! I'm also looking at potentially putting some bush cherries in our front yard to act as another hedge between our neighbors.