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types of lime trees nz

If you’re dreaming of adding a zesty twist to your garden and kitchen, exploring the types of lime trees NZ gardeners can grow is a great place to start. Limes thrive in New Zealand’s temperate climate, offering not only decorative value but also an abundant harvest of tangy fruit perfect for drinks, desserts, and savoury dishes. Understanding the different types of lime trees NZ offers will help you pick the right variety for your backyard or patio. Whether you’re a citrus enthusiast or a beginner gardener, growing limes can be a rewarding and fruitful endeavour.

'Bearss' Lime green fruit.

Lime Bearss

5 from 1 customers

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. It produces medium-sized, seedless green limes with a tangy, juicy flavour ideal for cooking and drinks. This evergreen tree grows 3–5 m tall and can fruit year-round in favourable conditions.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern
A 'Tahitian' Lime tree with green fruit and lush, green foliage.

Lime Tahitian

5 from 3 customers

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 typical lime flavour. They begin green in summer and ripen to pale yellow in winter. This heavy-cropping, evergreen typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide, but can be trimmed as necessary.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern
Key Lime pie with a slice of lime.
Lime 'Key Lime'

Key Lime is a highly sought after citrus variety prized for its small, round, aromatic fruit with a tangy flavour. Known for its thin green to yellow...

From$29.95
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
Nandina Lemon And Lime plant in a garden with lush foliage.
Nandina 'Lemon and Lime'

The 'Lemon and Lime' Nandina is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant lime-green foliage that adds year-round colour to New Zealand...

From$22.95
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
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
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$14.95
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
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
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
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$34.95
The best Citrus fertiliser in NZ
Citrus Fertiliser

Applying the correct citrus fertiliser in NZ is essential for achieving better quality fruit, higher yields, and a much healthier and...

From$16.95
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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
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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
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
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
podocarpus-henkelii-1
Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel Yellowwood) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping foliage, stately form, and year round appeal...

From$270.40
podocarpus-gracilior-
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape...

From$270.40
A Liquidambar 'Burgundy' specimen tree with dark red autumn foliage.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy'

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy' is a magnificent deciduous tree known for its rich, long lasting autumn foliage in deep burgundy to purple tones...

From$536.65
Fagus 'Dawyck Green' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green'

Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green', also known as Green Beech, is a stunning columnar tree with dense, glossy green foliage. Its upright, narrow growth...

From$270.40
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
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$270.40
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$23.39
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
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
fraxinus-griffithii-3
Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

From$35.81
An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

From$387.55
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
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
koelreuteria-paniculata-1
Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
Lime Bearss

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Citrus, and Heuchera, or related Categories - Finger Limes, Lime Trees, and Grasses.

Search types of lime trees nz

Popular Types of Lime Trees NZ Gardeners Love

When it comes to selecting lime trees, New Zealanders are spoilt for choice. The most commonly grown lime varieties are prized for their ease of care, prolific fruiting, and outstanding flavour.

Tahitian Lime

One of the most popular types of lime trees NZ home gardeners choose is the Tahitian lime. This tree is well-loved for its juicy, seedless fruit and heavy cropping. The Lime Tahitian produces medium-to-large limes with a mild, aromatic flavour and matures to a striking yellow-green colour. It’s perfect for drinks, dressings, and garnishes, thriving in both the ground and large pots.

Bearss Lime

Another excellent choice is the Lime Bearss, widely grown for its vigorous growth and abundance of fruit. Bearss limes are often mistaken for Tahitian limes due to their similar appearance, but Bearss is renowned for its versatility and slightly more intense citrus tang. Its hardy, evergreen foliage makes it a practical and attractive addition to Kiwi gardens.

Limequat

For gardeners with smaller spaces or those after something a little different, the Limequat is an exciting option. This hybrid citrus is a cross between a lime and a kumquat, resulting in a compact tree perfect for pots and smaller gardens. The fruit is small, aromatic, and thin-skinned, offering a unique burst of sweet-tart flavour that’s great for snacking or use in cocktails.

Beyond Edible Limes: Ornamental Alternatives

While the edible types of lime trees NZ gardens support are always in demand, some gardeners enjoy shrubs and trees with a similar citrus look. The Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime' is a stunning native shrub with vibrant, lime-coloured foliage, perfect for hedging or adding a pop of colour without the commitment to fruiting lime trees.

If you’re interested in broadening your garden’s appeal with other ornamental species, the Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra) features showy blooms and elegant structure, complementing citrus and native plants beautifully.

Growing the Best Lime Trees in NZ

Choosing the right types of lime trees NZ has available depends on your climate, available space, and preferred fruit characteristics. Most limes favour a sunny, sheltered spot and free-draining soil. Regular feeding and watering will ensure your lime tree thrives, whether you select the robust Lime Bearss, the sweet-tart Limequat, or the classic Lime Tahitian.

Explore our range of lime trees and complementary plants to transform your outdoor space into your very own subtropical oasis.


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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.

Our most famous blooms include Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald', but some of our best-kept secrets are Camellia 'Roger Hall', Mandarin 'Satsuma', and Olive 'Ascolano' — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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