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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. 'Bearss' Lime trees prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and a sheltered position. It’s perfect for gardens, orchards, or large containers on patios.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 3.00 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. 'Tahitian' Limes are commonly included in a mixed planting or maintained either in a container or in a courtyard garden.

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, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern
Limequat fruit cut in half on a bench.

Limequat

The Limequat is a unique citrus hybrid that combines the tangy flavour of a lime with the cold-hardiness of a kumquat. It’s ideal for Kiwi gardeners...

From$49.88
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
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
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime)

Tilia platyphyllos, commonly known as Large-Leaved Linden, is a stately deciduous tree admired for its broad, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant summer...

From$432.79
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' plants with lush, green foliage.

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a bright and eye catching honeysuckle valued for its vivid lime foliage and compact, tidy habit. This hardy shrub...

From$22.88
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
Lime 'Sublime' green fruit cut in half.

Lime Sublime

Lime ‘Sublime’ is a highly productive citrus tree producing juicy, seedless limes with a refreshing sweet-tart flavour. This variety is perfect for...

From$343.89
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$28.28
cordyline-lime-fountain-3

Cordyline Lime Fountain

Cordyline 'Lime Foutain' is a fresh and vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bright lime green foliage and graceful fountain like form. The...

From$29.63
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$22.88
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' shrubs with lime-green flowers and lush, green foliage.

Hydrangea Limelight

The 'Limelight' Hydrangea is a showstopping variety celebrated for its large, conical lime-green flower heads that gradually soften to cream, blush...

From$98.41
'Kaffir' Lime fruit with a wrinkly, green skin.

Lime Kaffir (Makrut Lime)

The 'Kaffir' Lime is a quick-growing and compact shrub that produces unusual-looking fruit. The fruit is green, warty, and inedible due to the thick...

From$49.88
tilia-cordata-1

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$432.79
tilia-europaea-3

Tilia europaea

Tilia europaea is a deciduous tree grown for its lush foliage and tidy form. The leaves emerge lime green in spring, quickly age to dark green, then...

From$343.89
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.

Lomandra Lime Tuff

The optimum Lomandra Lime Tuff planting distance for the plants to merge and become an effective ground cover is 50 cm apart. However, they must be...

From$17.48
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
ulmus-glabra-pendula-1

Ulmus glabra pendula (Weeping Elm)

Ulmus glabra Pendula, commonly known as the Weeping Elm tree, is a deciduous variety grown for its cascading and colourful foliage. The lush and...

From$438.39
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$12.50
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
ulmus-horizontalis-

Ulmus glabra horizontalis (Scotch Elm)

Ulmus glabra horizontalis is a variety of Scotch Elm which is grown for its broad canopy and colourful foliage. The leaves emerge a lime-green colour...

From$432.79
acer-fjellheim-4

Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

From$450.68
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
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$457.29
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
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
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
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
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
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$24.23
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
Lime Bearss

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Carex, Cedrela, Citrus, Coprosma, Cordyline, Dacrydium, Hydrangea, Lime, Limequat, Liriodendron, Lomandra, Lonicera, Magnolia, Melia, Phyllocladus, Plagianthus, Santolina, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus Tilia and Ulmus, or related Categories - Citrus Fertiliser, Finger Limes, Lime Trees, Limequat Trees, Flaxes, Grasses, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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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.

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