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

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.

Thank you both for the suggestions!

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.

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.

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.