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small lemon tree

Dreaming of a small lemon tree for your garden, patio, or balcony? You’re not alone—these charming citrus trees are prized throughout New Zealand for their compact size, fragrant foliage, and reliable fruit. Whether you’re limited on space or simply want to add a pop of zest to your outdoor area, a small lemon tree is the ideal solution. Here’s how to choose, grow, and use the best varieties, along with tips for incorporating other lemon-inspired plants into your landscape.

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.

From $329.95

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
'Meyer' Lemon yellow fruit.

Lemon 'Meyer'

5 from 1 customers

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.

From $29.95

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
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$15.04
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
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$29.95
Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' with fantastic yellow foliage growing over a wall.
Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' (Citrus Thyme)

Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' is a beautiful golden leaved form of Lemon Thyme valued for its fragrant foliage, culinary uses, and ornamental appeal...

From$11.95
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$27.53
A Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' plant in a garden.
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$16.95
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

From$30.29
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
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
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
prunus-autumnalis-rosea-6
Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea'

Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its delicate pink blossoms and unusually long flowering season. Small...

From$399.95
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree...

From$299.95
azara-microphylla-2
Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

From$387.55
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
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$17.87
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
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
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
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Fireglow'

Acer 'Fireglow' is a striking Japanese maple prized for its brilliant deep red foliage that holds colour exceptionally well throughout the season...

From$349.95
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 Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
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
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$16.95
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
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
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
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...

From$16.95
Lemon 'Lemonade'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, Citrus, and Lemon, or related Categories - Finger Limes, Lemon Trees, and Herbs.

Search small lemon tree

Best Small Lemon Tree Varieties

Not every lemon tree grows tall and sprawling. Several cultivars are specially bred for smaller spaces, allowing you to enjoy homegrown lemons even in a modest backyard or on your deck. One of the most popular and versatile options is the Lemon 'Meyer'. This small lemon tree is renowned for its beautiful compact form and sweetly fragrant fruit that’s perfect for culinary uses. The 'Meyer' lemon also tolerates cooler climates and is well-suited for pots, making it a favourite among urban gardeners.

For something fresh and truly unique, consider the Lemon 'Lemonade'. This small lemon tree produces fruit with a mild, sweet flavour—ideal for refreshing drinks or simply snacking straight from the branch. Its manageable growth and striking yellow fruit make it a delightful addition to small gardens or courtyard settings.

Growing a Small Lemon Tree in New Zealand

A small lemon tree thrives best in full sun, sheltered from strong winds and frost. Well-draining soil is vital; raised beds or large containers work perfectly for compact varieties. Regular watering, combined with annual feeding, helps maintain healthy leaves and steady fruit production. Pruning is minimal—just removing any dead or crowded branches ensures your small lemon tree remains lush and productive.

If you’re keen to add more lemony foliage to your garden beds, try mixing your citrus with plants that compliment the theme. Illicium 'Lemon Sorbet' offers aromatic, lemon-scented leaves and dense, evergreen structure, bringing a sophisticated touch to garden borders.

Decorative Companions and Landscape Ideas

A small lemon tree pairs beautifully with other bright, glossy shrubs. Consider framing your citrus with Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime' for a burst of contrasting colour and low-maintenance foliage. These combinations create a cheerful, vibrant palette in both garden beds and potted arrangements.

For those wanting to incorporate NZ-native trees, Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata) offers handsome, lemon-scented leaves and can serve as a backdrop to your small lemon tree in a mixed planting. The blend of native textures and citrus accents adds depth and character while maintaining a manageable scale.

Why Choose a Small Lemon Tree?

There’s nothing quite like harvesting fresh lemons from your own garden, and with a small lemon tree, anyone can enjoy the experience—even in tight spaces. These easy-care trees deliver heritage flavour, ornamental value, and a little bit of sunshine year-round. Their compact habit means less maintenance and more versatility, making them an excellent investment for both novice and seasoned gardeners.

Browse our collection and discover the perfect small lemon tree and lemon-inspired companions for your New Zealand garden today.

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.
We all know Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) and Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum', but the real surprises come from plants like Phyllostachys nigra, Dymondia margaretae, and Coprosma 'Middlemore'.
–The Plant Company

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