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what is the best lime tree

If you’ve ever wondered “what is the best lime tree” for New Zealand gardens, you’re not alone. Whether you’re hoping to grow delicious limes for refreshing summer drinks, adding zest to your cooking, or creating an eye-catching feature in your backyard, choosing the right lime variety makes all the difference. While there are several fantastic lime trees suited to our climate, each with its own strengths, the ideal choice depends on your needs, garden space, and taste preferences.

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
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 emerge bright chartreuse in spring, holding their vibrant tone through summer before turning warm golden shades in autumn.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' plant with lush, lime-green foliage.
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Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
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Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) fruit with yellow flesh cut in half.
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'Bearss' Lime green fruit.
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Tilia cordata

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Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
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Santolina 'Lime Fizz' green-yellow shrub growing in a basket.
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Nandina 'Lemon And Lime' plant in a garden with lush foliage.
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A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.
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Fagus 'Dawyck Gold' specimen trees with yellow foliage.
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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...

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Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

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A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
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Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

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Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
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Carex comans 'Green' is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

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A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
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Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
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Callistemon viminalis

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

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A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

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A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.
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A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.
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Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
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Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
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Lime Tahitian

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search what is the best lime tree

Popular Lime Varieties for Kiwi Gardens

When it comes to fruiting lime trees, Lime Tahitian remains a long-standing favourite for many home growers. This versatile lime produces juicy, seedless fruit with a classic tang—perfect for cocktails, cooking, and garnishes. Known for their prolific fruit production and relatively compact growth, Lime Tahitian trees can thrive in pots as well as in-ground, making them a great fit for urban gardens.

Another variety to consider is Lime Sublime. Valued for its intense flavour and high juice content, Lime Sublime is prized by chefs and home cooks alike. Its thinner skin and aromatic zest make it a top choice if you love experimenting with recipes that call for a true lime punch.

If you’re seeking something a little different, Lime Rangpur stands out for its unique, reddish-orange skin and intense tartness. Sometimes called a “lemon-lime,” Lime Rangpur combines the tang of a lime with a hint of mandarin, making it a popular choice for marmalades, drinks, and adventurous cooking.

Ornamental Options and Alternative “Lime” Trees

Not every “lime tree” is grown for fruit. If you’re searching for a majestic shade or street tree rather than citrus, consider the European limes. Tilia europaea, also known as the common lime, is a deciduous tree celebrated for its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers. While unrelated to fruiting limes, Tilia europaea brings beauty and biodiversity to larger gardens or public spaces.

Another excellent ornamental, Tilia cordata, or small-leaved lime, boasts dense foliage, subtle scent, and robust structure. Tilia cordata is an outstanding option if you want a classic European look or a cooling shade for summer.

How to Choose the Best Lime Tree for You

So, what is the best lime tree? For most New Zealand backyards, the answer is often Lime Tahitian due to its reliability, flavour, and ease of care. However, if you crave more intense citrus or wish to try something new, Lime Sublime and Lime Rangpur are well worth considering.

If your garden vision leans more toward large, shady trees instead of fruit, don’t overlook Tilia europaea or Tilia cordata.

Still wondering what is the best lime tree for your property? Explore our range to find a lime that suits your space, your climate, and your taste buds. With the right lime tree, you’ll enjoy years of zest, shade, and beauty in your own 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.

–The Plant Company

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