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frost tolerant citrus trees

If you’re gardening in an area where winter brings the occasional frost, you may think citrus is off the menu. The good news is that there’s a wonderful selection of frost tolerant citrus trees that can thrive in cooler New Zealand backyards, delivering a bounty of bright, home-grown fruit even after a chilly night. Selecting the right citrus trees means enjoying fresh limes, tangelos, and mandarins without fussing over frost protection every year.

'Bearss' Lime green fruit.

Lime Bearss

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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. It produces medium-sized, seedless green limes with a tangy, juicy flavour ideal for cooking and drinks. This evergreen tree grows 3–5 m tall and can fruit year-round in favourable conditions. 'Bearss' Lime trees prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and a sheltered position. It’s perfect for gardens, orchards, or large containers on patios.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern
'Satsuma' Mandarin fruit.

Mandarin 'Satsuma'

'Satsuma' is a very popular Mandarin variety because of its great taste, easy-to-peel fruit, and short stature. The fruit ripens in winter and is virtually seedless, sweet, and juicy. The lush foliage is glossy and dark green, becoming adorned with white flowers in summer as it reaches 1.2 m in height and the same width. This dwarf 'Satsuma' Mandarin tree is commonly included in mixed plantings, maintained in containers, used in courtyard gardens, or grown as a specimen.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Tangelo 'Seminole' orange fruit.
Tangelo 'Seminole' (Seminole Tangelo)

Tangelo 'Seminole' is a delicious citrus variety known for its rich orange skin, sweet tangy flavour, and juicy flesh. A natural hybrid between a...

From$48.23
Orange 'Washington Navel' orange fruit.
Orange 'Washington Navel'

The ‘Washington Navel’ orange is the most famous navel orange variety, celebrated for its sweet flavour, seedless fruit, and easy-to-peel skin. This...

From$270.40
'Cara Cara' orange fruit.
Orange 'Cara Cara'

The ‘Cara Cara’ Orange is a highly sought-after citrus variety, famous for its striking pink flesh and sweet, low-acid flavour. This seedless navel...

From$46.85
Orange 'Powell Navel' orange fruit.
Orange 'Powell Navel'

Orange ‘Powell Navel’ is a premium late season navel variety renowned for its sweet flavour, seedless fruit, and long hanging ability on the tree...

From$50.99
'Encore' Mandarin fruit.
Mandarin 'Encore'

Mandarin ‘Encore’ is a popular late-season variety that produces sweet, richly flavoured fruit with a thin, easy-to-peel skin. Harvested from late...

From$50.99
Orange 'Harwood Late' orange fruit.
Orange 'Harwood Late'

Orange ‘Harwood Late’ is a superb late season navel orange variety prized for its sweet, seedless fruit and smooth, easy to peel skin. This reliable...

From$50.99
'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$46.85
'Satsuma' Mandarin orange fruit.
Mandarin 'Satsuma'

Mandarin ‘Satsuma’ is one of New Zealand’s favourite early-season mandarins, producing sweet, juicy, seedless fruit with a delicate flavour and...

From$50.99
A 'Miho' Mandarin orange fruit on a branch with lush, green foliage.
Mandarin 'Miho'

The 'Miho' Mandarin is a much-loved early-season variety, producing exceptionally sweet, juicy fruit with a thin, easy-to-peel skin. Harvested from...

From$50.99
Orange 'Barnfield' orange fruit with orange flesh ona table.
Orange Barnfield

Orange ‘Barnfield’ is a premium navel orange variety prized for its excellent flavour, seedless fruit, and reliable crops. This outstanding citrus...

From$116.12
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...

From$270.40
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
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$270.40
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$340.69
frost-cloth-3
Frost Cloth

Frost cloth is an essential solution for protecting plants from frost, cold winds, and extreme weather conditions. This breathable, lightweight...

From$11.28
Mandarin 'Kawano' orange fruit.
Mandarin 'Kawano'

Mandarin ‘Kawano’ is a late-season variety valued for its sweet, juicy, seedless fruit and long shelf life. The rich citrus flavour and easy-peel...

From$50.99
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$387.55
Mandarin 'Clementine' fruit.
Mandarin 'Clementine'

'Clementine' Mandarin is a popular variety prized for its sweet, juicy, and easy-peel fruit. The rich flavour and seedless nature make it ideal for...

From$48.23
'Valencia' orange fruit.
Orange 'Valencia'

The ‘Valencia’ orange is a world-famous citrus variety celebrated for its sweet, juicy flavour and excellent juicing qualities. Perfect for New...

From$50.99
'Navelina' orange fruit.
Orange 'Navelina'

Orange ‘Navelina’ is a superb early season navel orange variety known for its sweet, seedless fruit and smooth, easy to peel skin. Perfect for New...

From$50.99
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$26.15
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$270.40
A large 'Ponderosa' Lemon yellow fruit.
Lemon 'Ponderosa'

The 'Ponderosa' Lemon is a remarkable citrus variety known for producing exceptionally large lemons, often weighing over a kilogram each. The fruit...

From$116.12
Limequat fruit cut in half on a bench.
Limequat

The Limequat is a unique citrus hybrid that combines the tangy flavour of a lime with the cold-hardiness of a kumquat. It’s ideal for Kiwi gardeners...

From$48.23
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$387.55
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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$515.35
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$557.95
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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...

From$387.55
The best Citrus fertiliser in NZ
Citrus Fertiliser

Applying the correct citrus fertiliser in NZ is essential for achieving better quality fruit, higher yields, and a much healthier and...

From$13.40
Corokia Frosted Chocolate showcasing its lush green and brown foliage.
Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', commonly known as Korokio, is a hardy, NZ native shrub with lovely foliage and an interesting form. It grows as a mass...

From$12.95
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Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$340.69
Lime Bearss

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Citrus, Corokia, Lemon, Lime, Limequat, Magnolia, Mandarin, Orange, Pear, Sorbus Tangelo and Ulmus, or related Categories - Fabrics and plastics, Citrus Fertiliser, Finger Limes, Lemon Trees, Lime Trees, Limequat Trees, Mandarin Trees, Orange Trees, Tangelo Trees, Pear Trees, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search frost tolerant citrus trees

Why Choose Frost Tolerant Citrus Trees?

Citrus varieties vary in their ability to withstand cold temperatures, and it’s important to select frost tolerant citrus trees if you experience low winter temperatures. Frost-tolerant citrus types have evolved thicker leaves, tougher stems, or hardy rootstocks that help them stand up to the chill. With the right choice, you can keep your citrus orchard healthy and productive, saving you from the disappointment of frost-damaged fruit and leaves.

Top Frost Tolerant Citrus Varieties

Several citrus trees stand out as excellent choices for frosty climates. Among them, Mandarin 'Okitsu' is a favourite for its sweet, easy-peeling fruit and robust resistance to cold. Kumquat 'Meiwa' (Cumquat Meiwa) not only tolerates frost well but also makes a striking ornamental with its compact habit and intense flavour-packed fruit.

For fans of limes, it’s worth noting that Lime Bearss is known for its increased cold tolerance over other lime varieties, as well as its prolific yields. Lime Sublime is another excellent lime option that has proven to cope well in frost-prone areas, perfect for those craving a zesty harvest even after cold snaps. If you’re looking for something unique, Tangelo 'Seminole' (Seminole Tangelo) combines the best qualities of grapefruit and mandarin, while also handling chilly conditions with ease.

Planting and Caring for Frost Tolerant Citrus Trees

Even frost tolerant citrus trees benefit from a few safeguards. Plant your trees in a spot with good airflow and plenty of sunlight, ideally against a north- or west-facing wall that radiates warmth. Mulching and choosing well-draining soil will help roots stay healthy and cool during summer, but not waterlogged in winter.

Watering deeply and less frequently develops strong roots, making the tree even more resilient to cold stress. When a severe frost is forecast, young or newly planted citrus may still need protection with frost cloth or a temporary cover. Over time, established trees usually cope well with typical New Zealand frosts.

Enjoy Year-Round Citrus, Even in Frosty Climates

With the right selection of frost tolerant citrus trees, you can enjoy limes, tangelos, mandarins, and kumquats every year—no matter what winter brings. Explore hardy options like Lime Bearss, Tangelo 'Seminole' (Seminole Tangelo), Mandarin 'Okitsu', Kumquat 'Meiwa' (Cumquat Meiwa), and Lime Sublime to keep your garden vibrant and fruitful season after season. Choosing frost tolerant citrus means less time worrying about winter and more time enjoying home-grown citrus delights.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' turn heads, but Canna 'Tropicanna', Curio herreanus (String Of Watermelons), and Bergenia 'Rotblum' (Heart Leaf Bergenia) quietly charm the most seasoned gardeners.
–The Plant Company

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