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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. The tree is hardy, evergreen, and productive, offering both ornamental beauty and a generous harvest in most NZ gardens.

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. 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.

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$29.95
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
A large 'Ponderosa' Lemon yellow fruit.
Lemon 'Ponderosa'

The 'Ponderosa' Lemon is a remarkable citrus variety known for producing exceptionally large lemons, often weighing over a kilogram each. The fruit...

From$119.95
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
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$16.95
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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$387.55
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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$270.40
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Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii, commonly known as the Sticky Wattle tree, is a fast-growing, small tree that is grown for its weeping growth habit. The branches...

From$129.95
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
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Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

From$515.35
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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$30.29
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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$387.55
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
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
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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...

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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
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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...

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
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Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$22.01
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...

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PB28 Planter Bags (Growing Bag)

These PB28 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 12 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$130.50
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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$515.35
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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...

From$13.40
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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$349.95
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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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Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

From$64.67
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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
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Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll...

From$9.28
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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 Evergreen Shrubs.

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.

–The Plant Company

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