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heirloom lemon tree

Looking for an heirloom lemon tree to bring old-fashioned flavour and fragrance to your New Zealand garden? Heirloom lemon trees are prized for their robust growth, generous fruiting, and classic citrus taste, making them the perfect choice for gardeners who value tradition and quality. Whether you’re keen to grow lemons for baking, preserve historic varieties, or simply enjoy aromatic blossoms right by your patio, an heirloom lemon tree will satisfy both the green-fingered and gourmet among us. With their distinctive fruit and heritage value, these trees add lasting charm and bounty to any outdoor space.

Yellow 'Lemonade' Lemon fruit on a tree.

Lemon 'Lemonade'

5 from 2 customers

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.

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
A large 'Ponderosa' Lemon yellow fruit.

Lemon 'Ponderosa'

5 from 1 customers

The 'Ponderosa' Lemon is a remarkable citrus variety known for producing exceptionally large lemons, often weighing over a kilogram each. The fruit has a thick, bumpy rind with juicy, mildly acidic flesh that is excellent for cooking, drinks, and garnishing. The tree itself is compact, attractive, and suitable for growing in the garden or in large pots. This hardy and productive variety is perfect for home gardeners wanting both beauty and utility.

From $141.61

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, 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$14.72
'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
Yellow 'Yen Ben' Lemons.

Lemon 'Yen Ben'

The ‘Yen Ben’ Lemon is a high-quality lemon variety prized for its smooth skin, abundant juice, and tangy flavour. Popular with chefs and home cooks...

From$43.13
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
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
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
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
Nandina Lemon And Lime plant in a garden with lush foliage.

Nandina 'Lemon and Lime'

The ‘Lemon and Lime’ Nandina is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant lime-green foliage that adds year-round colour to New Zealand...

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
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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$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...

From$343.89
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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
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Iris Maui Moonlight

“Maui Moonlight” is a colourful variety of Bearded Iris that features stunning, lemon-yellow flowers. The showy blooms are borne on sturdy stems from...

From$29.63
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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
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
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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
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
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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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
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 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
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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
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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$299.92
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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...

From$299.92
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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
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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Lemon 'Lemonade'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search heirloom lemon tree

Why Choose an Heirloom Lemon Tree?

Heirloom lemon trees stand apart from modern hybrids thanks to their rich history and unique attributes. Their fruit typically boasts thicker skin, aromatic oils, and intense flavour that’s perfect for homemade marmalade, lemon curd, or zesting into dishes. These trees grow well in New Zealand’s mild climates, attracting pollinators and providing beautiful evergreen foliage year-round. Unlike mass-market citrus, heirloom varieties often have excellent disease resistance and distinctive characteristics passed down generation after generation. If you value provenance and full-bodied, authentic lemon flavour, planting an heirloom lemon tree is a rewarding choice.

Popular Varieties for Kiwi Gardens

Among heirloom lemon trees, certain cultivars have proven especially popular with New Zealand gardeners. One standout is the Lemon 'Ponderosa'—renowned for its enormous fruit, thick skin, and memorable taste. The Ponderosa combines vigor with a rustic heritage, making it ideal for home orchards and kitchen gardens keen on producing lemons with a difference.

If you’d like to explore other options, consider the classic Lemon 'Eureka' variety. While Eureka is not strictly an heirloom, it’s celebrated for its prolific fruiting and reliable performance, helping you enjoy fresh lemons almost year-round. Another delightful cultivar is the Lemon 'Lemonade', valued for its mild, sweet flavour—perfect for juicing or eating straight from the tree.

How to Grow and Care for Heirloom Lemon Trees

Cultivating an heirloom lemon tree in New Zealand is straightforward once you understand its needs. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. Regular watering and feeding keep the tree healthy, while annual pruning helps maintain shape and encourages fruiting. Mulching around the base conserves moisture and protects roots. Heirloom lemon trees appreciate organic fertilizer, making them a good match for gardeners interested in sustainable practices.

Companion planting can boost your tree’s health and enhance your garden’s biodiversity. For example, try growing Crassula ovata (Money Tree) nearby to add structural interest and a touch of luck. Incorporating native trees, such as Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata), helps support local wildlife and provides shelter for your citrus.

Discover Authentic Heirloom Citrus

If you’re ready to add a genuine heirloom lemon tree to your garden and discover the flavours cooked with by generations before, explore our range of citrus. Whether you’re after the robust Lemon 'Ponderosa' or other trusted lemon varieties, we’ll help you grow something special. Enjoy the beauty, fragrance, and harvest of your own lemon tree—and share its legacy with your family, friends, and community.

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.

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Think you know our range? Rhododendron Scented Sun and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) are just the beginning — check out Pseudowintera colorata, Hydrangea Nightingale, and Clematis montana 'Rubens'.
–The Plant Company

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