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blood lime tree

Looking to add a vibrant and unique fruity specimen to your New Zealand garden? The blood lime tree is a striking citrus hybrid, celebrated for its vivid red flesh, tangy flavour, and decorative beauty. Often treasured by home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike, the blood lime tree brings a touch of the exotic to cooler-climate backyards. This page will guide you through everything you need to know about the blood lime tree, from growing tips to ideas for creative uses and pairing with other ornamental trees.

acer-ukon-

Acer palmatum Ukon

Acer palmatum 'Ukon' is a distinctive Japanese Maple admired for its unusual lime green foliage that brings fresh colour to the garden. New leaves emerge bright chartreuse in spring, holding their vibrant tone through summer before turning warm golden shades in autumn.

From $349.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata (Small Leaved Lime) is a majestic deciduous tree admired for its symmetrical form, heart shaped green leaves, and highly fragrant pale yellow flowers in summer. It develops into an impressive shade tree with attractive golden autumn foliage, making it ideal for avenues, parks, and large gardens.

From $515.35

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Liquidambar 'Gumball' is a small tree grown for its form and fantastic autumn colours. This popular ornamental tree features leaves that emerge lime...

From$387.55
A 'Tahitian' Lime tree with green fruit and lush, green foliage.
Lime Tahitian

The 'Tahitian' Lime is a popular and quick-growing shrub that bears masses of medium-sized fruit that are juicy, strongly scented, and have that...

From$29.95
Santolina 'Lime Fizz' green-yellow shrub growing in a basket.
Santolina 'Lime Fizz'

Santolina 'Lime Fizz' is a vibrant evergreen shrublet admired for its bright lime green foliage and compact, mounding form. This hardy Mediterranean...

From$23.39
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$229.95
Fagus 'Dawyck Gold' specimen trees with yellow foliage.
Fagus 'Dawyck Gold'

Fagus 'Dawyck Gold', commonly known as the Columnar Beech Tree or Golden Beech Tree, is grown for its bright autumn colours and slender growth habit...

From$270.40
prunus-ukon-3
Prunus 'Ukon'

Prunus 'Ukon' is a rare and elegant flowering cherry tree admired for its unusual pale yellow green blossoms during spring. This deciduous ornamental...

From$515.35
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) fruit with yellow flesh cut in half.
Citrus australasica

Citrus australasica, commonly known as the Finger Lime or Caviar Lime, is an evergreen shrub grown for its unusual fruit, which is regarded as a food...

From$34.95
'Bearss' Lime green fruit.
Lime Bearss

The 'Bearss' Lime, also known as Persian or Tahitian lime, is a vigorous, nearly thornless citrus tree that thrives in New Zealand’s warmer regions...

From$34.95
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' plants with lush, green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a bright and eye catching honeysuckle valued for its vivid lime foliage and compact, tidy habit. This hardy shrub...

From$16.95
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
'Kaffir' Lime fruit with a wrinkly, green skin.
Lime Kaffir (Makrut Lime)

The 'Kaffir' Lime is a quick-growing and compact shrub that produces unusual-looking fruit. The fruit is green, warty, and inedible due to the thick...

From$34.95
Lomandra Little Lime in a garden with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Little Lime

Lomandra Little Lime is a compact ornamental grass known for its vibrant lime-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 50 cm in height...

From$21.39
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$17.87
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$99.29
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$515.35
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
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$13.40
aloe-barberae-
Aloidendron barberae (Tree Aloe)

Commonly known as Tree Aloe, this is a large variety of Aloe that can reach 15 m tall and 3 m wide. This impressive tree forms a rounded crown of...

From$57.89
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
Blood Orange fruit with blood-red flesh.
Orange Blood Orange

Blood Orange is a highly distinctive citrus variety admired for its rich red flesh and sweet yet tangy flavour. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, this...

From$269.95
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$13.40
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
Adiantum 'Lime Green' lush and elegant, lime-green foliage.
Adiantum raddianum 'Lime Green'

Adiantum raddianum 'Lime Green' is a vibrant maidenhair fern loved for its fresh lime coloured fronds and fine black stems. This striking foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
heuchera-lime-marmalade-5
Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade'

Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' is a vibrant perennial prized for its brilliant lime green foliage that adds brightness and contrast to the garden...

OUT OF STOCK
Acer palmatum Ukon

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Agathis, and Citrus, or related Categories - Finger Limes, Lime Trees, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search blood lime tree

What Is a Blood Lime Tree?

A blood lime tree is a relatively new citrus variety, bred from a cross between the native Australian finger lime and the red finger lime. Its fruit is almost jewel-like, with thin, deep red skin and a tart, ruby-coloured interior. These trees typically reach a manageable size, making them perfect for urban gardens, patio pots, and smaller landscapes. The blood lime tree is a conversation starter, with eye-catching fruiting displays and aromatic spring blossoms.

Growing a Blood Lime Tree in New Zealand

Blood lime trees thrive in New Zealand’s milder regions, especially when planted in a sunny, well-drained site. They prefer shelter from strong winds and produce best with consistent watering during dry periods. Mulching and annual feeding with citrus fertiliser encourage steady growth and generous fruiting. While blood lime trees tolerate light frost, young trees benefit from seasonal protection until established.

Pruning is straightforward—simply remove any frost-damaged wood or wayward branches each winter to maintain a healthy, structured tree. Because the blood lime tree is highly ornamental, it’s well-suited for feature planting near patios and pathways, or even espaliered against a sunny wall.

Harvesting and Using Blood Lime Fruit

Harvest blood lime fruit from late autumn through to mid-winter as the skin takes on its deepest red hue. The fruit’s tangy, raspberry-citrus flavour makes it a favourite for modern chefs—try using blood limes in fresh salsas, cocktails, marmalades, or as a vibrant garnish for seafood dishes. Their burst of colour also makes them ideal for decorative food presentations or unique preserves.

Pairing Blood Lime Trees with Other Ornamental Species

For layered interest in the garden, the blood lime tree combines beautifully with classic deciduous and shade trees. Consider planting alongside Tilia cordata or Tilia europaea for a striking blend of lush foliage and vivid fruit. For larger gardens, Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime) offers broader leaves and stunning spring flowers, while Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ) and Ulmus glabra pendula (Weeping Elm) provide autumnal interest and classic structure.

Why Choose a Blood Lime Tree?

Adding a blood lime tree to your garden means more than growing delicious citrus. It’s an opportunity to experiment with gourmet fruit, support biodiversity, and cultivate a stunning visual highlight. Whether you’re an experienced home orchardist or a first-time gardener, the blood lime tree’s adaptability and compact size make it a rewarding choice for New Zealand landscapes. If you’re inspired to explore more unique and beautiful trees, browse our range of Tilia cordata, Tilia europaea, and other featured specimens for more creative planting ideas.

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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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Avocado 'Hass' and Zephyranthes candida are beloved staples, but Hakonechloa 'Albovariegata', Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen', and Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine) bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
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