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lemon tree new zealand

A thriving lemon tree is a classic feature in New Zealand backyards, loved for its bountiful fruit, zesty fragrance, and lush evergreen foliage. Whether you're a keen gardener in Auckland, a beginner in Wellington, or dreaming of citrus on the South Island, growing a lemon tree in New Zealand is both rewarding and achievable. The country's temperate climate is ideal for cultivating a variety of lemon trees, bringing a slice of the Mediterranean right to your garden.

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
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.

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
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
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$299.92
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...

From$343.89
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
'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
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
iris-maui-moonlight-1

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
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
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$299.92
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-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
sorbus-scarlet-king-

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
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
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...

From$299.92
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
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
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1

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
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$299.92
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

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
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
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

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
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
schefflera-arboricola-

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
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$12.50
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
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, Iris, 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, Iris Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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Why Plant a Lemon Tree in New Zealand?

Lemon trees are highly valued in New Zealand gardens for their versatility, productivity, and year-round appeal. They not only provide a reliable harvest of vitamin-rich lemons but also serve as an attractive feature with glossy green leaves and fragrant spring blossoms. Lemons are a staple in the Kiwi kitchen, perfect for drinks, cooking, and homemade preserves.

Best Lemon Tree Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

For gardeners searching for the right lemon tree New Zealand has some excellent varieties to suit every region and situation. The popular Lemon 'Meyer' is a favourite for its sweet flavour, compact growth habit, and reliable cropping, making it one of the most widely planted varieties in home gardens. If you love classic, tangy lemons, Lemon 'Yen Ben' offers a true lemon taste and is known for its juicy fruit and plentiful harvests. For something unique, Lemon 'Lemonade' produces a milder, sweeter fruit that's fantastic for eating fresh off the tree.

Growing and Caring for Lemon Trees

Success with a lemon tree in New Zealand starts with choosing a sunny, sheltered spot in free-draining soil. Lemon trees thrive with around 6-8 hours of sun a day and appreciate extra warmth, so plant them against a north-facing wall where possible. Consistent watering, mulching, and a good citrus fertiliser will keep your tree healthy and productive.

Protecting your lemon tree in New Zealand from frost, especially in the southern regions, is essential. Young trees can be protected with frost cloth or by growing them in pots that can be moved under cover. Regularly check for pests such as scale or aphids, and prune to encourage air flow and fruiting.

Companion Plants and Landscaping Ideas

A lemon tree New Zealand garden can be enhanced with the right companions. Underplant aromatic herbs like thyme or lavender to attract pollinators. For a striking foliage contrast, plant natives like Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata), or try colourful evergreens such as Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime'.

Start Your Lemon Tree Journey Today

With the right care, a lemon tree in New Zealand will reward you with years of flavour, fragrance, and beauty. Explore our selection and discover the perfect Lemon 'Meyer', Lemon 'Yen Ben', or Lemon 'Lemonade' for your garden. Your slice of homegrown citrus paradise awaits.


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.

You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Ficus benjamina variegata and Lomandra White Sands, but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Cryptomeria japonica Egmont, Hebe Wairua Beauty, and Prunus Ichiyo?
–The Plant Company

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