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big lemon tree

A big lemon tree makes a striking centerpiece for any New Zealand garden, offering not just visual appeal but also a bounty of juicy, homegrown lemons throughout the year. With their glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant blossoms, and generous yields, large lemon trees are a gardener’s favourite for adding both beauty and practicality to the landscape. Whether you want an established specimen for instant impact or are planning to nurture a tree to impressive size, growing a big lemon tree is both rewarding and surprisingly straightforward. Read on to discover the best varieties for size, care tips, and how to create your own citrus oasis.

Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

5 from 2 customers

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and lemon-scented foliage. It can reach 10 metres tall and makes an excellent shelter tree or native hedge. In spring, it produces clusters of small, yellowish flowers that are attractive to insects. Tarata is hardy, tolerates wind and drought once established, and is an excellent choice for native plantings or revegetation projects.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Native, Riparian
'Meyer' Lemon yellow fruit.

Lemon 'Meyer'

5 from 1 customers

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.

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
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$21.53
A double grafted lemon tree with Meyer and Yen Ben fruit.

Lemon Meyer and Yen Ben (Double Grafted Lemon)

This double-grafted lemon tree offers a longer fruiting season and fruit from two popular varieties on the same plant. It typically grows to 2.5 m in...

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...

'Meyer' Lemon yellow fruit.

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...

From$43.13
Large Coprosma Lemon and Lime plant growing in a garden.

Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime'

Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime', also known as Variegated Mirror Bush, is a compact New Zealand native shrub featuring small, glossy leaves variegated in...

From$21.53
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
Kniphofia 'Lemon Fizz' yellow flowers.

Kniphofia 'Lemon Fizz'

Kniphofia 'Lemon Fizz' is a lively perennial known for its vivid lemon-yellow flower spikes that bring fresh, cheerful colour to any New Zealand...

From$20.18
An exquisite Michelia 'Lemon Fragrant' cream-white flower.

Michelia 'Lemon Fragrant'

Michelia 'Lemon Fragrant' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, white flowers that bloom from late...

From$299.92
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' yellow and green foliage.

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' is an evergreen shrub often used instead of Buxus for hedges. It carries dense, upright branches that host small and...

From$24.23
Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) shrub covered in elegant, red flowers.

Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Scented Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is a classic Australian shrub widely loved in New Zealand for its brilliant crimson red flower spikes and...

From$26.93
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$343.89
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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$343.89
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Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

An elegant Dietes 'Lemon Drops' flower.

Dietes Lemon Drops

Dietes 'Lemon Drops' is a variety of Iris that produces exquisite white flowers that have three distinct, yellow spots. These are made on slender...

From$17.48
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
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$343.89
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$97.13
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$343.89
ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
magnolia-jc-williams-3

Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

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$432.79
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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$432.79
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
Fuchsia arborescens tree with pink flowers and lush green foliage.

Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia)

Fuchsia arborescens is an evergreen shrub favoured for its pretty flowers, which are produced almost year-round. Large and showy clusters of...

From$22.28
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
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Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Callistemon, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Coprosma, Crassula, Dacrydium, Dietes, Fuchsia, Kniphofia, Lemon, Liriodendron, Lonicera, Magnolia, Melia, Michelia, Pittosporum, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Lemon Trees, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search big lemon tree

Best Varieties for Big Lemon Trees in New Zealand

When searching for a big lemon tree, variety choice is key. Some lemons naturally grow larger, both in terms of tree size and fruit. Among the top picks for a substantial lemon tree in New Zealand is Lemon 'Ponderosa', famous for its vigorous growth and enormous, juicy fruit. This variety often creates an impressive canopy, making it a feature tree that commands attention.

Another strong performer is Lemon 'Yen Ben'. Renowned for its upright growth habit and full-sized lemons, Yen Ben can reach a substantial size with regular feeding and care. For those seeking classic, juicy lemons on a lush, leafy tree, Lemon 'Eureka' is widely loved for its robust growth and almost year-round fruiting.

How to Grow a Big Lemon Tree

To grow a truly big lemon tree, select a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil. Lemon trees thrive in warm conditions and appreciate protection from strong southerly winds, which can be achieved by planting near a fence or amongst other evergreens such as Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata). Deep watering during dry spells, regular mulching, and annual spring feeding will encourage strong root systems and healthy canopy growth.

If you’re looking for a lemon tree with robust growth and generous harvests, Lemon 'Genoa' is another excellent choice. It’s especially hardy and suitable for coastal NZ gardens, eventually growing into a substantial, fruit-laden tree with the right care.

Benefits of Planting a Big Lemon Tree

A big lemon tree is not just about quantity—a mature tree will quickly become a hub of activity in the garden, attracting bees and beneficial insects through spring and summer. It also offers shade, creates an evergreen privacy screen, and provides an ongoing supply of homegrown fruit for recipes and drinks. With New Zealand’s favourable climate, your lemon tree will reward minimal effort with maximum returns, year after year.

Start Your Journey With a Big Lemon Tree

Whether you’re searching for a statement lemon tree for your backyard or choosing just the right variety for future harvests, you’ll find the perfect fit among our range—including Lemon 'Ponderosa', Lemon 'Yen Ben', Lemon 'Eureka', and Lemon 'Genoa'. Plant your big lemon tree this season and look forward to years of zest, beauty, and abundance right at home.


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.

–The Plant Company

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