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best variety of orange tree

If you’re searching for the best variety of orange tree to plant in your New Zealand garden, you’re in the right place. Choosing the right orange tree is key to enjoying year-round citrus bounty, aromatic blossoms, and sweet, juicy fruit. In this guide, we’ll help you compare some of the top orange tree varieties, share essential growing tips, and answer common questions so you can confidently pick the best variety of orange tree for your home orchard.

Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.

Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, it produces juicy, refreshing oranges that are ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and lunchboxes.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Orange 'Barnfield' orange fruit with orange flesh ona table.

Orange Barnfield

Orange ‘Barnfield’ is a premium navel orange variety prized for its excellent flavour, seedless fruit, and reliable crops. This outstanding citrus tree is perfect for New Zealand gardens, producing juicy, sweet oranges that are ideal for fresh eating or juicing.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Orange 'Harwood Late' orange fruit.
Orange 'Harwood Late'

Orange ‘Harwood Late’ is a superb late season navel orange variety prized for its sweet, seedless fruit and smooth, easy to peel skin. This reliable...

From$34.95
Orange 'Washington Navel' orange fruit.
Orange 'Washington Navel'

The ‘Washington Navel’ orange is the most famous navel orange variety, celebrated for its sweet flavour, seedless fruit, and easy-to-peel skin. This...

From$229.95
'Valencia' orange fruit.
Orange 'Valencia'

The ‘Valencia’ orange is a world-famous citrus variety celebrated for its sweet, juicy flavour and excellent juicing qualities. Perfect for New...

From$119.95
'Navelina' orange fruit.
Orange 'Navelina'

Orange ‘Navelina’ is a superb early season navel orange variety known for its sweet, seedless fruit and smooth, easy to peel skin. Perfect for New...

From$34.95
Orange Navelate fruit.
Orange 'Navelate'

Orange ‘Navelate’ is a premium late season navel orange variety prized for its sweet, seedless fruit and smooth, easy to peel skin. Perfect for...

From$49.95
An Acer buergerianum specimen tree.
Acer buergerianum

Acer buergerianum, commonly known as the Trident Maple, is a striking deciduous tree admired for its distinctive three-lobed leaves and brilliant...

From$299.95
Orange 'Powell Navel' orange fruit.
Orange 'Powell Navel'

Orange ‘Powell Navel’ is a premium late season navel variety renowned for its sweet flavour, seedless fruit, and long hanging ability on the tree...

From$34.95
Blood Orange fruit with blood-red flesh.
Orange Blood Orange

Blood Orange is a highly distinctive citrus variety admired for its rich red flesh and sweet yet tangy flavour. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, this...

From$269.95
Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Orange' flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Orange'

Bougainvillea ‘Hawaiian Orange’ is a stunning and vigorous climber that produces a brilliant display of fiery orange bracts throughout the warmer...

From$30.29
acer-esk-sunset-
Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$299.95
'Cara Cara' orange fruit.
Orange 'Cara Cara'

The ‘Cara Cara’ Orange is a highly sought-after citrus variety, famous for its striking pink flesh and sweet, low-acid flavour. This seedless navel...

From$34.95
A Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood) specimen tree with colourful, orange foliage in autumn.
Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, commonly known as the Persian Ironwood Tree, is a small tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours. The foliage emerges light...

From$192.51
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
Beautiful Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura' pink and white blossoms.
Prunus Shimidsu Sakura

Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura' is an elegant deciduous tree celebrated for its abundant pink blossoms that brighten gardens in spring. Its upright growth...

From$387.55
A 'Fukumoto' Orange tree with orange fruit.
Orange 'Fukumoto'

How to grow Orange ‘Fukumoto’ in NZ

From$229.95
Hemerocallis 'Orange Star' colourful flowers.
Hemerocallis 'Orange Star'

Hemerocallis 'Orange Star' is a variety of the commonly known, Day Lily, and features very showy flowers. The impressive, burnt orange blooms are...

From$23.39
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki is a stunning Japanese Maple due to its delicate foliage and small stature. Small and soft looking leaves emerge...

From$399.95
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$11.50
acer-scolopendrifolium-
Acer palmatum Scolopendrifolium (Acer Scolopendrifolium)

Acer palmatum Scolopendrifolium is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of fine and colourful foliage. This attractive, deciduous...

From$299.95
chaenomeles-double-take-orange-
Chaenomeles Double Take Orange (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles Double Take Orange is a flowering Quince that features masses of orange flowers from late winter. At this time the shrub is an arching...

From$27.53
An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves...

From$249.95
Choisya ternata with lush foliage and white flowers.
Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a lush, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant...

From$24.77
murraya-paniculata-4
Murraya paniculata (Orange Jessamine)

Murraya paniculata, commonly known as Orange Jessamine, this is an attractive, medium-sized shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It grows...

From$26.15
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
quercus-ellipsoidalis-3
Quercus ellipsoidalis

Quercus ellipsoidalis, commonly known as the Northern Pin Oak tree, is a deciduous tree that features colourful autumn foliage. The foliage emerges...

From$270.40
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
Orange 'Best Seedless'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, and Orange, or related Categories - Orange Trees, and Maple Tree.

Search best variety of orange tree

Popular Orange Tree Varieties in New Zealand

With several outstanding varieties available, it’s important to focus on the unique strengths of each. Below, discover some of the best-loved options for Kiwi backyards:

1. Orange Barnfield

The Orange Barnfield is renowned for its reliable cropping and sweet, classic orange flavour. This variety thrives in New Zealand’s temperate climates, producing medium to large fruit with a balanced sweetness and tang. Its robust growth habit and tolerance to coastal conditions make it a trusted choice for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike.

2. Orange 'Best Seedless'

If you prefer an easy-eating orange, Orange 'Best Seedless' lives up to its name. The seedless fruit are perfect for lunchboxes and juicing. This variety is favoured for its medium size, thin peel, and consistently sweet flavour. It’s a fantastic option in areas where you want low-maintenance, family-friendly fruit trees.

3. Orange 'Harwood Late'

For those who like to extend their harvest season, Orange 'Harwood Late' offers fruit well into late winter. This late-maturing variety produces high-quality, well-flavoured oranges that store well on the tree. It’s perfect for ensuring a fresh supply when other varieties have finished.

4. Orange 'Washington Navel'

The Orange 'Washington Navel' is often regarded as the best variety of orange tree for eating out of hand. Navels are prized for their seedless, easy-to-peel fruit and their juicy, sweet segments. The trees are reliable croppers, adapting well to NZ’s conditions and making them a popular choice for home gardens.

5. Orange 'Valencia'

If making home-squeezed orange juice is a family tradition, the Orange 'Valencia' is the variety you want. This world-famous juicing orange produces abundant, flavourful fruit with a bright, tangy taste. Its extended fruiting season means you can often enjoy fresh oranges over many months.

How to Choose the Best Variety of Orange Tree

When selecting the best variety of orange tree for your garden, consider your local climate, desired harvest season, and whether you prefer seedless, easy-peel, or high-juice fruit. Citrus trees need full sun, well-draining soil, and protection from strong winds, especially in cooler parts of New Zealand.

Get Started With Your Favourite Orange Tree

No matter your preferred flavour or harvest time, there’s a perfect orange tree to suit every Kiwi gardener. Browse our full range of orange trees, including Orange Barnfield, Orange 'Best Seedless', Orange 'Harwood Late', Orange 'Washington Navel', and Orange 'Valencia', to start growing the best variety of orange tree in your backyard today.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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