Citrus

Citrus limon Eureka Seedless, or Eureka Seedless Lemon, is a productive and attractive evergreen tree that brings both beauty and bounty to the garden. It features glossy, dark green leaves that provide year-round appeal and a striking contrast to the bright yellow fruit. Fragrant white blossoms appear mainly in spring, with additional flushes throughout the year, attracting bees and other pollinators. The medium to large lemons are nearly seedless, juicy, and boast the classic tart flavour prized for culinary use — ideal for cooking, baking, and refreshing drinks. Forming a dense, rounded canopy of lush foliage, Eureka Seedless is an excellent choice as a specimen tree, for home orchards, or in containers on patios. Its combination of ornamental presence and reliable, high-quality fruit makes it a standout addition to any garden.

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Conditions: Full sun. Adaptable to most Australian climates. Light frost tolerance.
Size: Height 3-4m x width 2-3m

Also referred to as “wild lime” or “desert kumquat”, the Desert Lime is a hardy, occasionally thorny shrub or small tree. It produces small green grape-sized fruits that pack an intensely citrus flavour! Fruits will appear soon after a showing of white, sweetly scented flowers in spring. For best results, harvest only ripe fruits — these will come away easily from the stem when gently pulled. As an Aboriginal bush food, they were eaten whole and are today considered a highly prized native fruit high in vitamin C, lutein, folate and vitamin E. You can enjoy Desert Lime in a variety of ways including marmalades, sauces, pickles and chutneys, candied peel, cocktails, and as a flavouring spice for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Drought-resistant and attractive, it’s a perfect addition to a low-maintenance garden or ornamental courtyard, and may be grown in large pots on a sunny verandah.

Soil: Well-drained sandy soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 3-6m x width 2-4m

Naturally Dwarf, Little Ruby is a compact growing shrub with deep green, rounded foliage and thorny stems. Little Ruby displays pale white-pink flowers in summer, followed by aromatic, green, finger-shaped fruits. Little Ruby will begin to ripen but not fully on the tree. Once picked, leave the fruit for five to ten days to completely ripen. Inside the fruits are filled with small pale red pearls of tangy juice, which have a wonderful texture and flavour. This fruit is great in summer drinks and desserts, and may also be used in chutneys, jams and marmalades. Both juice and pulp go well with fresh oysters, fish and calamari. As the tree has a slight weeping habit, it can be pruned to shape. Trees will begin to produce fruit from the second autumn of planting.

Soil: Plant in composted, well-draining soil. Mulch in spring and keep the soil moist in summer.
Conditions: It will do best in a warm, sheltered spot and can do well in dappled shade though will thrive in full sun. Tolerant of frost and dry conditions.
Size: Height 1.8m x width 1m

An improved form of the Tahitian or West Indian Lime, Citrus Sublime is well suited to Australian conditions. Growing into an attractive small tree, the fragrant creamy white flowers have a strong citrus fragrance and the attractive large green leaves exude a citrus fragrance when crushed. Fruit production is at its peak during the cooler months - with the thin-skinned round seedless fruit best picked when it is dark green. Great for small gardens, courtyards, patios and containers. 

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. It prefers warmer climates and is very sensitive to frost. Plant in a sheltered position in cooler climates.
Size: Height 2m x width 1m

An evergreen tree with deep green, rounded foliage and thorny stems, Rainforest Pearl displays pale white-pink flowers in summer, followed by aromatic, finger-shaped fruits tinged green-red. Rainforest Pearl will begin to ripen but not fully on the tree. Once picked, leave the fruit for five to ten days to completely ripen. Inside the fruits are filled with small pearls of tangy juice, which have a wonderful texture and flavour and are perfect for seafood, Asian cooking and cocktails. As the tree has a slight weeping habit, it can be pruned to shape. Trees will begin to produce fruit from the second autumn of planting.

Soil: Plant in composted, well-draining soil. Mulch in spring and keep the soil moist in summer.
Conditions: It will do best in a warm, sheltered spot and can do well in dappled shade though will thrive in full sun. Tolerant of frost and dry conditions.
Size: Height 2-3m x width 1.5-2m

The Washington Navel Orange Dwarf is one of the most popular backyard orange trees grown in Australia. It is a neat compact evergreen fruit tree. with rich green foliage that holds its colour year-round. The dwarf variety produces small, richly aromatic, creamy-white flowers followed by large, seedless, juicy oranges vibrant in colour and delicious in taste. The first harvest is in winter followed by a second crop in spring. It’s perfect for planting in smaller or Mediterranean-style gardens, espaliered on a sturdy wall, or in large pots that make a vibrant addition to any courtyard, patio, or terrace.

Soil: Well-drained soil. Use a specialised citrus potting mix, and fertilise throughout the peak growing seasons.
Conditions: Full sun. Protect from strong winds, especially during flowering or while the fruit is forming. Frost tender.
Size: Height 1.5-2.5m x width 2m

Grafted onto dwarfing rootstock, Dwarf Lemon Meyer has a compact growth habit but will yield full sized fruit. The grafted dwarf Lemon Meyer is a compact evergreen fruit tree, perfect for small gardens, courtyards, or pots. As a natural hybrid between an orange and a lemon, it produces fruit that is noticeably sweeter and less acidic than traditional lemons. The tree features lush, rich green foliage and produces petite, white, highly fragrant blooms in autumn. These are followed by small to medium-sized golden-orange fruits that ripen from autumn through to spring. With their thin skin and exceptionally juicy flesh, the fruits are ideal for fresh drinks, desserts, or homemade marmalades. Lemon Meyer Dwarf has relatively low water requirements during winter but benefits from consistent watering throughout the warmer months to support healthy growth and fruit production.

Soil: Well-drained soil.

Conditions: Full sun. Frost and cold tolerant.

Size: Height 2m x width 1.5m

Citrus reticulata Mandarin Japanese Seedless Grafted, often referred to as Sasuma Mandarin, is a neat compact growing evergreen fruiting tree. The foliage is a lovely rich green which holds its colour all year round. Petite white fragrant blooms appear in early autumn. Following the blooms, are small, juicy, rounded orange fruits with tight easy-to-peel skin and no seeds! The mandarin trees are not only valued for their fruit but also for their ornamental appeal. Their glossy green leaves, fragrant blossoms, and vibrant fruit can enhance the beauty of garden landscapes. Fertilise Mandarin Japanese Seedless throughout the peak growing seasons. Low water requirements through winter, however, keep the tree well-watered throughout summer.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. The mandarins are known for their cold hardiness, making them suitable for a range of climates.
Size: Height 3-4m x width 3-4m