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

lemon and orange tree

Dreaming of harvesting fresh, zesty citrus right from your backyard? A lemon and orange tree not only brings vibrant colour and delectable fruit to your garden but also fills your outdoor space with the irresistible scent of citrus blossoms. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to growing fruit trees, adding a lemon and orange tree to your landscape can introduce a touch of the Mediterranean to your New Zealand garden, with juicy crops you can enjoy throughout the seasons.

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

Lemon 'Ponderosa'

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.

Buy Lemon 'Ponderosa'

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

Why Grow a Lemon and Orange Tree?

Growing a lemon and orange tree offers more than just luscious, vitamin-rich fruit for your table—it’s a rewarding way to add texture, evergreen foliage, and pollinator-friendly flowers to your outdoor environment. Lemon trees, such as the robust Lemon 'Ponderosa' or classic Lemon 'Meyer', are loved for their abundance of lemons and fragrant white blooms. Orange trees bring sweetness, producing succulent fruit and glossy green leaves.

Lemon and orange trees thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. Their evergreen habit ensures year-round interest, making them ideal as feature plants or for screening and shelter in a mixed border.

Growing Tips for Citrus Success

To get the most from your lemon and orange tree, plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot protected from strong winds or frost. Citrus trees love free-draining soil enriched with organic matter. For patio gardens and small spaces, both lemon and orange varieties perform beautifully in large containers, provided there’s space for their roots to develop.

Water thoroughly but avoid waterlogging, especially during dry summer months. Feed with a citrus-specific fertiliser in late winter and early summer to encourage healthy growth and flower production. Mulching with bark or compost helps retain moisture and suppress weeds around your lemon and orange tree.

Best Lemon and Orange Tree Varieties for NZ Gardens

Our nursery offers a fantastic selection of lemon and orange trees tailored for New Zealand’s unique climate. Lemon 'Ponderosa' is celebrated for its massive fruit and vigorous growth, while the popular Lemon 'Meyer' is renowned for its sweetness and compact size—perfect for smaller gardens or patio pots. For something a little different, Lemon 'Lemonade' produces a unique, low-acid fruit that makes a refreshing treat straight from the tree.

Companion Planting and Alternatives

If you love the citrus theme, there are other shrubs that bring colour and fragrance to the garden. Chaenomeles Double Take Orange (Flowering Quince) dazzles with its brilliant orange blooms in early spring, and Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange) offers lush, evergreen foliage and pretty white flowers with a scent reminiscent of orange blossoms.

Start Your Orchard Today

Whether you’re adding just one lemon and orange tree, or planning a mini orchard, you’ll find that citrus brings long-lasting joy and productivity to your home garden. For tailored advice or to browse our full selection of citrus favourites, explore our range and give your outdoor space a sunny boost with fresh, homegrown fruit.

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.