Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

what is the best mandarin tree

Searching for “what is the best mandarin tree” for your New Zealand garden? With so many delicious mandarins to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which variety will thrive and fruit best in your backyard. The answer depends on whether you prefer early crops, easy-care trees, super-sweet fruit, reliable cold hardiness, or all of the above. Let’s explore the top mandarin trees known for performing brilliantly in NZ gardens, so you can confidently pick the right mandarin for your needs.

'Satsuma' Mandarin orange fruit.

Mandarin 'Satsuma'

5 from 2 customers

Mandarin ‘Satsuma’ is one of New Zealand’s favourite early-season mandarins, producing sweet, juicy, seedless fruit with a delicate flavour and easy-to-peel skin. Harvested from early to mid-autumn, this reliable variety thrives in home gardens and is perfect for fresh eating and lunchboxes.

From $34.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
'Satsuma' Mandarin fruit.

Mandarin 'Satsuma'

'Satsuma' is a very popular Mandarin variety because of its great taste, easy-to-peel fruit, and short stature. The fruit ripens in winter and is virtually seedless, sweet, and juicy. The lush foliage is glossy and dark green, becoming adorned with white flowers in summer as it reaches 1.2 m in height and the same width.

From $229.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
'Silverhill' Mandarin orange fruit.
Mandarin 'Silverhill'

The ‘Silverhill’ Mandarin is a hardy, early-season variety producing sweet, juicy fruit with a thin, easy-to-peel skin. This seedless to low-seed...

From$34.95
A 'Miho' Mandarin orange fruit on a branch with lush, green foliage.
Mandarin 'Miho'

The 'Miho' Mandarin is a much-loved early-season variety, producing exceptionally sweet, juicy fruit with a thin, easy-to-peel skin. Harvested from...

From$34.95
'Encore' Mandarin fruit.
Mandarin 'Encore'

Mandarin ‘Encore’ is a popular late-season variety that produces sweet, richly flavoured fruit with a thin, easy-to-peel skin. Harvested from late...

From$34.95
Mandarin 'Kawano' orange fruit.
Mandarin 'Kawano'

Mandarin ‘Kawano’ is a late-season variety valued for its sweet, juicy, seedless fruit and long shelf life. The rich citrus flavour and easy-peel...

From$34.95
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
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
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
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...

From$34.95
Yellow 'Lemonade' Lemon fruit on a tree.
Lemon 'Lemonade'

The ‘Lemonade’ Lemon is a unique citrus variety producing sweet, refreshing fruit that can be eaten straight from the tree. Its flavour is...

From$229.95
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

From$309.51
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.
Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded...

From$14.95
callistemon-viminalis-1
Callistemon viminalis

Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its pendulous branches and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers...

From$27.53
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
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
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
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$34.95
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$24.15
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$323.65
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$13.40
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$30.29
A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.
Laurus nobilis angustifolia

Laurus nobilis angustifolia is a variety of Laurel grown for its compact growth habit and elegant foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, dark...

From$202.44
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
Mandarin 'Satsuma'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Magnolia, Mandarin, and Orange, or related Categories - Mandarin Trees, Orange Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search what is the best mandarin tree

How to Choose the Best Mandarin Tree

When deciding what is the best mandarin tree, consider your local climate, available space, and taste preferences. New Zealand’s temperate weather is ideal for many mandarins, but some do better than others in cooler southern areas or exposed spots. If you’re looking for minimal fuss, select a variety resistant to common diseases and tolerant of our variable seasons.

Key factors to consider: - Frost tolerance (important in southern regions) - Fruit quality (flavour, sweetness, and juiciness) - Harvest time (early, mid, late season) - Tree size and growth habit - Seed content (nearly seedless is popular for kids and lunches)

Top-Rated Mandarin Tree Varieties for NZ

Mandarin ‘Satsuma’

Among all mandarins, the classic Mandarin 'Satsuma' is often voted as the best mandarin tree for Kiwi gardens. Satsuma is one of the earliest fruiting varieties, ripening from late June to August, just in time for winter treats. It’s celebrated for its sweet, juicy, nearly seedless fruit and high reliability, even in cooler areas. The tree is naturally compact and self-fertile, making it easy to fit into smaller gardens or pots.

Mandarin ‘Miho’

For those seeking an especially sweet, easy-peeling fruit, Mandarin 'Miho' is a top contender. It’s an improved Satsuma-type, well-regarded for abundant crops of large, thin-skinned fruit. Miho trees are hardy, slightly more vigorous than standard Satsuma, and begin cropping early in the season.

Mandarin ‘Aoshima’

Another excellent option for those wondering what is the best mandarin tree is the popular Mandarin 'Aoshima'. This variety offers a slightly later harvest, extending your picking season into mid-spring. The fruit is richly flavoured, sweet, and aromatic, making Aoshima a go-to for mandarin lovers with a little patience.

Mandarin ‘Silverhill’

If you’re after an exceptionally reliable choice that thrives even where frosts might nip other citrus, Mandarin 'Silverhill' is praised for its flavour, easy peel, and consistent crops. It’s an outstanding performer in diverse NZ climates.

Grow the Best Mandarin Tree at Home

No matter your pick, all the top mandarins above are suited to the New Zealand climate and produce outstanding fruit with a little care. Plant your tree in a sunny, sheltered spot, keep up with regular fertilising, and watch for pests like scale or aphids.

Still deciding what is the best mandarin tree? Explore our full range, and enjoy the taste of homegrown, sun-ripened mandarins in your own backyard.

Contact us

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Our garden favourites Lomandra Lime Tuff and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Pieris 'Christmas Cheer', Griselinia littoralis, and Hibiscus syriacus 'Coelestis'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews