Semi-dwarf citrus will naturally grow to 6 to 12 feet tall, depending on the type. All oranges, regardless of variety, will get about the same height with the same vigor.

NON-pruning is the key to having a "tree" with branches from the ground up (almost shrub-like). Simply allow the plant to fill in as it would naturally.

You can easily keep a semi-dwarf to about 6 feet by clipping off the top on a regular basis (2-3 times a year).

In the future, should you want more "hedging"/screening, oranges aren't the best for that. Kumquats, calamondins, and willow-leaf mandarin make nice, dense screens. And there are many other fruit trees/shrubs that do even better than citrus for this purpose.

Joe

Thanks Joe: I'll def look at the mandarins/calamondins too.
I'm sure everyone would be interested in the other fruit trees/shrubs for screening.

Look for the smallest plants offered. Many in the nurseries have already been pruned up. You will need to keep your low hanging branches from touching the ground or they become disease or pest highways into the trees. Al

If you go to any nurseries, you will find many hedge varieties easily.

However, why bother? I think the concept of citrus hedge is so fantastic! I have two Eureka and Meyer lemon trees in my yard and they too have formed very dense canopy. Another advantage of citrus is that blossoms are very fragrant. However, you will need to be careful of bees.

Good luck!

thank you all - have gotten a navel (hope we have enough heat on the coast in so cal) and a valencia; love the flowers, love the bees! Will also be trying container key lime indoors and on the patio....