Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

best type of lemon tree

Searching for the best type of lemon tree for your New Zealand garden? Whether you’re eager to enjoy homegrown citrus, or simply want a vibrant, fruiting landscape plant, selecting the right lemon tree variety will make all the difference. Lemon trees thrive in many gardens across New Zealand, but not all are created equal. Some are prized for their sweet fruit, others for their exceptional productivity or cold tolerance. Here’s your guide to the most popular lemon tree types and tips for selecting the best one to suit your needs.

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 reminiscent of lemonade without the added sugar, making it a healthy and delicious treat. The medium-sized fruit has smooth yellow skin and juicy flesh, perfect for juicing, salads, or fresh snacking. The tree is hardy, evergreen, and productive, offering both ornamental beauty and a generous harvest in most NZ gardens.

Buy Lemon 'Lemonade'

From $299.92

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Citrus

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern

Lemon 'Meyer'

The ‘Meyer’ Lemon is a much-loved citrus variety known for its sweeter, less acidic flavour compared to standard lemons. The thin-skinned fruit is highly juicy and perfect for cooking, baking, drinks, and preserves. This compact evergreen tree has glossy green foliage, fragrant blossoms, and produces prolifically, often fruiting year-round in warmer areas. Hardy and easy to grow in most NZ climates, ‘Meyer’ Lemon is ideal for both gardens and containers, bringing beauty and productivity to any outdoor space.

Buy Lemon 'Meyer'

From $43.13

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Citrus

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Screening

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Type of Lemon Tree

Before choosing your ideal lemon tree, it’s important to consider a few key factors. Think about your local climate, available space, whether you’ll plant in a pot or in-ground, and how you intend to use the fruit. Some lemon trees are more compact and suited to patios, while others are vigorous and require ample room. Taste preferences also come into play: do you like lemons with a hint of sweetness or the classic tang?

Top Lemon Tree Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

When it comes to deciding on the best type of lemon tree, these varieties are the stand-out performers for Kiwi gardeners:

Lemon 'Meyer'

The Lemon 'Meyer' is a household favourite across New Zealand. This tree is renowned for its sweet, juicy fruit, which is less acidic than traditional lemons. Meyer lemon trees are also highly adaptable and can thrive in pots or small gardens, making them perfect for urban spaces. Their cheerful golden fruit ripens year-round, giving you a continual supply for cooking, drinks, and desserts.

Lemon 'Lemonade'

If you’re after a lemon tree with exceptionally sweet, low-acid fruit, the Lemon 'Lemonade' variety deserves a spot on your shortlist. Its fruit can be eaten straight from the tree or juiced for refreshing drinks, with minimal bite. Lemonade trees are productive and easy to grow, great for families and those who prefer a milder lemon flavour.

Lemon 'Yen Ben'

Looking for the classic, sharp flavour for baking or cocktails? The Lemon 'Yen Ben' is celebrated for its tangy taste and high juice content. This variety is a commercial favourite for its abundant crops and uniform, thin-skinned fruit. Yen Ben lemon trees flourish in full sun and are well suited to most NZ growing conditions.

Lemon 'Eureka'

For those wanting reliable, prolific fruiting, the Lemon 'Eureka' is an excellent choice. Eureka lemons offer juicy, tart fruit nearly all year round and the tree itself is vigorous, with minimal thorns. It’s a go-to for gardeners who value productivity and traditional lemon flavour.

Lemon 'Ponderosa'

For a striking garden feature, the Lemon 'Ponderosa' tree stands out with its large fruit and robust growth habit. Its lemons can grow exceptionally big, making it a talking point and a practical choice for those wanting an abundance of fruit.

Which Variety is Best for You?

The best type of lemon tree ultimately depends on your garden space, climate, and taste preferences. For versatility and a mild, sweet flavour, consider Lemon 'Meyer' or Lemon 'Lemonade'. If you prefer classic lemons with a tart punch, look to Lemon 'Yen Ben' or Lemon 'Eureka'. For impressive fruit and a vigorous display, Lemon 'Ponderosa' fits the bill.

Explore these varieties to find the best type of lemon tree for your landscape and enjoy a bounty of fresh, home-grown lemons for years to come.

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.