Citrus

Orange Cara Cara is a neat compact evergreen fruit tree with lovely rich green foliage which holds its colour all year round. Petite white fragrant blooms appear in mid to late May. Following the blooms, medium-large rounded oranges with thin skin develop. The sweet, juicy, flesh blushes in colouring from deep pink to red. The fruit is seedless and beautifully tender, easy to peel and exquisitely delicious, with rich orange flavours and notes of raspberries and rose petals. They are commonly used for juicing and for snacking on raw, as well as in fruit salads, green salads, desserts, and sauces.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions it will prefer a frost and wind-free position in the garden.
Size: Height 3-4m x width 3-4m

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

Kaffir Lime Tree is an easy citrus fruit tree to grow and it is the leaves - not the fruit - that is highly valued. Kaffir lime trees are much loved for their aromatic leaves, which are fantastic for imparting that authentic Asian flavour to curries, soups and stir fries. The fruits - which do not hold a lot of juice - are visually interesting with green, bumpy skin and the zest packs a punch! Once established these trees require little care or pruning other than to keep in shape or maintain a smaller size.

Soil: Well-drained soil
Conditions: Full sun.
Size: Height 4m x width 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.
Size: Height 2m x width 2m

The dwarf Red Grapefruit tree is dense and bushy with beautiful glossy leaves and fragrant, creamy-white blossoms. After the flowers, yellow fruit with deep red flesh will appear with a flavour that is sweet while still retaining the familiar grapefruit tang. Similar to blood oranges, the flesh pigmentation colour varies due to climatic conditions. The fruit is highly nutritious, rich in vitamin c, refreshing and excellent for juicing, breakfast and marmalades. Use as a container plant in courtyards, feature tree in Mediterranean-style gardens, espaliered along a sunny wall, or as an ornamental tree.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun position. Protect from strong winds.
Size: Height 2m x width 2m

Also known as the Calamansi Tree, the Calamondin is a popular citrus tree that produces small, tangy fruits rich in vitamin C. Commonly cultivated in the Philippines, it is cherished for both its ornamental beauty and culinary versatility. Glossy green foliage and fragrant white blossoms make it an attractive addition to gardens, patios, and indoor spaces. The Calamondin typically begins fruiting around three years of age, rewarding growers with abundant crops of bright orange fruit. These fruits can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in cooking and drinks, adding a refreshing citrus tang. Fry the whole fruit, skin and all, in coconut oil to serve as a fragrant side dish with curry. Calamondin trees are heavy feeders—apply a slow-release fertiliser or Dynamic Lifter up to four times a year to support healthy growth and fruiting. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain shape and size.

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Conditions: Full sun with 6-8 hours of sun per day. Prefers warm temperate climates.
Size: Height 3-6m x width 3-4m

Citrus australasica Red Champagne Finger Lime is an evergreen tree with small green leaves and creamy blooms produced in late summer and autumn. The flowers are followed by elongated red fruits. The luscious caviar-like fruit within is light pink-red with a tangy, intense flavour. Red Champagne will begin to ripen, but not entirely on the tree, throughout the winter season and early spring. Once picked, leave the fruit for five to ten days to completely ripen. Please note: finger lime 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: Will perform best in a warm sheltered spot in full sun. Tolerant of frost and dry conditions.
Size: Height 4-6m x width 2m

An improved form of the Tahitian or West Indian Lime, Citrus aurantifolia Sublime PBR 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