Blood orange (Citrus × sinensis 'Moro')

Overview

The Blood orange, specifically the distinctive Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’, is treasured by home gardeners for its dual ornamental and edible qualities. This broadleaf evergreen provides glossy foliage year-round, punctuated by clusters of exceptionally fragrant white flowers in early spring. Its primary appeal lies in the unique crimson-fleshed fruit it produces, offering a sweet, complex flavor profile unlike standard sweet oranges.

As a variety originating in Italy, Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ thrives best when provided ample warmth and sunshine, making it a cornerstone of Mediterranean-style landscapes or high-quality edible gardens. While it matures into a small tree reaching up to 20 feet, its manageable size and striking visual interest—from the fragrant blossoms to the vividly colored fruit—make the Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ an excellent focal point. Gardeners should ensure proper winter protection, particularly when establishing younger specimens.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rutaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 12-20 ft
  • Spread: 12-20 ft
• Bloom Time: March to April
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The optimal time to plant your Blood orange tree is typically in the spring after all danger of frost has passed, allowing it time to establish before winter. Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ requires deep, evenly moist, well-draining soil that leans slightly acidic; sandy loam is ideal. Critically, this tree is intolerant of heavy, saturated soils, which can quickly lead to root issues.

Maintain medium water needs by watering deeply whenever the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Fertilization should follow a schedule appropriate for citrus, supplying necessary micro and macronutrients throughout the growing season, especially nitrogen. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on removing suckers below the graft line and dead or crowded interior branches to encourage good air circulation.

When growing oranges in zones bordering the cooler edges (Zone 9), vigilance is necessary. Care must be taken to protect young trees and any new spring growth on mature trees if temperatures are forecast to drop below 32°F. In colder climates, planting Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ in a large container allows it to be brought indoors during winter months, treating it as a highly valued houseplant for part of the year.

Landscape Uses

The Blood orange excels as a feature Flowering Tree in landscapes where its distinctive fruit and powerful fragrance can be appreciated. It serves beautifully as a specimen plant near patios or entryways, utilizing its evergreen structure for year-round texture. When grown in containers, the Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ can be strategically positioned, offering Mediterranean flair on decks or balconies, moving indoors as needed.

For those designing edible landscapes, the Blood orange contrasts wonderfully with other citrus varieties, or herbs like rosemary and lavender, which share similar sun and drainage requirements. Its height and spread allow it to function as a small structural tree within the larger edible garden design, providing defined shade while rewarding the gardener with its unique, sweet, red-fleshed fruits.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

The genus Citrus sinensis, commonly known as sweet orange, is a hybrid resulting from a purposeful cross between a mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) and a pomelo (Citrus maxima). The ‘Moro’ variety is particularly noteworthy, as it is a medium-sized cultivar developed in Italy that specifically yields sweet, red-fleshed fruits, with the tree reaching up to 20 feet tall. Its glossy, aromatic leaves and clusters of creamy white flowers make it attractive even when not fruiting.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

The Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ is susceptible to various insect pests, requiring vigilant scouting from the gardener. Common culprits include citrus rust mite, citrus snow scale, various scales (purple, Florida red), mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids. Furthermore, several serious diseases affect sweet oranges, such as greasy spot, stem-end rot, sweet orange scab, citrus canker, and the devastating citrus greening disease. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with appropriate horticultural oils or fungicides are essential for maintaining the health of your Blood orange tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Blood orange suitable for?

The Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ is generally suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11.

How large does Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ grow?

This variety typically reaches a mature height between 12 to 20 feet, with an equal spread of 12 to 20 feet.

What sun exposure does Blood orange need?

The Blood orange absolutely requires full sun exposure for best fruit production and vigor.

When does Blood orange bloom?

The fragrant white blossoms of the Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ appear from March to April.

Conclusion

The Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’ offers gardeners a rewarding combination of stunning fragrance, attractive glossy foliage, and the highly prized, naturally colored red flesh of the Blood orange. Its unique characteristics secure its place as a showy feature in any edible or Mediterranean garden setting. Before planting, review your local USDA Zone compatibility and ensure you can provide consistent full sun and well-draining soil for optimal success with this exceptional citrus hybrid.

Companion Planting

When establishing your Citrus × sinensis ‘Moro’, select companion plants that share its preference for full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Herbs like Rosemary and Lavender are excellent choices, as they naturally complement the Mediterranean aesthetic and do not compete aggressively for root space. Consider planting low-growing groundcovers that tolerate dry conditions once established, such as Thyme, beneath the canopy to help suppress weeds without hindering air circulation near the base of the tree.

Container Growing Tips

Growing the Blood orange in a container is an excellent strategy for gardeners in cooler regions (Zones 8 and below) or for mobile patio gardening. Select a container that is large enough to accommodate the roots for several years, moving up in size gradually. Use a high-quality, custom-blended potting mix formulated for citrus, ensuring it contains plenty of perlite or grit to guarantee superior drainage, addressing the tree’s intolerance for saturated conditions. Remember that container plants dry out faster than in-ground specimens, so monitor the medium moisture carefully.