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lime tree varieties nz

Looking for the best lime tree varieties NZ gardeners can grow? New Zealand’s climate is ideal for many different types of lime trees, from classic favourites to unique cultivars perfect for a sunny patio or productive home orchard. Choosing the right lime variety is important for fruit flavour, ripening time, and tree size. This guide explores the most popular lime tree varieties NZ has to offer, tips on caring for them, and creative ways to use limes in your garden landscape.

Coprosma Poor Knights with lush green foliage.

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

5 from 2 customers

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy lime green foliage and compact rounded habit. This NZ native selection performs exceptionally well in coastal and urban gardens, offering reliable year round colour.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' plants with lush green foliage.

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

5 from 1 customers

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' is a compact evergreen perennial admired for its bright lime green ruffled foliage that adds year round colour and texture to New Zealand gardens. This attractive coral bells variety forms neat mounds of heavily textured leaves that brighten shaded spaces and contrast beautifully with darker foliage plants.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, Woodland
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$329.95
'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$329.95
tilia-cordata-1
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...

From$515.35
Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' plant with lush, lime-green foliage.
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...

From$22.01
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...

From$349.95
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 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
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
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
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
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
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$399.95
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
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
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
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
A Liquidambar 'Burgundy' specimen tree with dark red autumn foliage.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy'

Liquidambar ‘Burgundy’ is a magnificent deciduous tree known for its rich, long lasting autumn foliage in deep burgundy to purple tones. Its star...

From$536.65
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Crimson Red’ is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

From$30.29
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
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
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
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
Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Quercus laurina

Quercus laurina is a magnificent evergreen oak native to Central America, admired for its stately form and year round greenery. Its glossy, lance...

From$129.95
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
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
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
tree-and-shrub-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$16.95
campanula-resholdt's-variety--1
Campanula 'Resholdt's Variety'

Campanula 'Resholdt's Variety' (Bell Flower) is a charming perennial known for its masses of soft blue bell shaped flowers that create a beautiful...

From$22.01
Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Coprosma, and Heuchera, or related Categories - Lime Trees, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

Search lime tree varieties nz

Best Lime Tree Varieties NZ Homeowners Love

NZ gardeners are spoiled for choice when it comes to lime trees, each bringing its own set of qualities to the table. The highly productive Lime Kusaie is a standout option for its abundant crops and reliable harvests. This variety is known for its tangy, aromatic fruit that's perfect for juicing or zesting.

Another popular option is the Lime Sublime, prized for its compact growth habit and heavy fruit set on newer branches. It’s an excellent choice for container gardens or smaller spaces, allowing even urban dwellers to enjoy homegrown limes.

Care and Growing Tips for Lime Trees in NZ

Lime trees thrive in well-drained soil and full sun—with at least six hours of bright light each day. Protect your lime trees from strong winds and frosts, especially in the cooler regions of New Zealand. Regular watering is important during dry periods, and a citrus-specific fertiliser keeps foliage lush and fruit production high.

Mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay, but avoid letting mulch touch the trunk. Most lime varieties, including Lime Kusaie and Lime Sublime, should be pruned lightly in late winter to keep their shape and encourage new growth.

Landscape Companions and Decorative Lime Lookalikes

If you love the look of vibrant lime foliage in your garden, consider pairing your lime tree with Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime'. This evergreen shrub offers striking variegated leaves that echo the fresh hues of lime, providing foliage interest year-round.

For those intrigued by ornamental trees, Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra) brings bold spring flowers and complements the citrus collection beautifully. Meanwhile, Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime) adds a classic charm to mixed tree plantings, though it produces a different kind of lime altogether—its fragrant flowers attract pollinators and provide dappled summer shade.

Why Choose Different Lime Tree Varieties in NZ?

Growing multiple lime tree varieties in NZ lets you extend your harvest season and enjoy a range of fruit flavours. Some types are great for classic cocktails and cooking, while others offer unique aroma and decorative appeal. Whether you choose Lime Kusaie, Lime Sublime, or companion plants like Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime', you’ll find your New Zealand garden richer in both style and flavour.

Explore our range and discover the lime tree varieties NZ gardeners trust for beauty and bounty in every backyard.


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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.

There’s more to explore beyond Gardenia 'Veitchii' and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) — like the subtle beauty of Gelsemium sempervirens, Dracaena massangeana, and Quercus palustris.
–The Plant Company

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