Citrus

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

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

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

Rainforest Pearl is a compact, evergreen finger lime with deep green, rounded foliage, thorny stems and a graceful, slightly weeping habit. Delicate white flowers tinged with pink appear in summer, followed by aromatic, finger-shaped fruit with attractive green to reddish skin. The fruit begins to ripen on the tree and reaches its full flavour after being picked and left for 5–10 days. Inside, each fruit is packed with tangy citrus pearls that burst with refreshing flavour, making them perfect for seafood, Asian-inspired dishes, desserts and cocktails. Well-suited to small gardens or containers, the dwarf Rainforest Pearl can be lightly pruned to maintain its shape. Trees typically begin producing fruit from the second autumn after planting, rewarding gardeners with a unique and delicious harvest.

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 1.5-3m x width 1.5-2m

Lemon Meyer Dwarf 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. Fertilise throughout the peak growing seasons. 
Conditions: Full sun. Very cold tolerant.
Size: Height 2-3m x width 1-2m

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

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

The Dwarf Kumquat Meiwa is a petite citrus treasure, perfectly suited to small gardens, balconies, courtyards, or even a sunny indoor position. This compact variety produces beautifully bright, round to oval-shaped fruit renowned for their exceptional sweetness. Unlike many other citrus, Meiwa kumquats are enjoyed whole — both the edible rind and the juicy flesh are sweet and flavourful, with only soft seeds nestled inside. The fruit can be eaten fresh straight from the tree, preserved, candied, or transformed into delicious marmalade, making it a wonderfully versatile addition to the home garden. Its glossy green foliage and naturally neat growth habit add year-round ornamental appeal, bringing a lush, vibrant touch wherever it is placed. With annual pruning, the Dwarf Meiwa Sweet Kumquat can be easily maintained at approximately 1 to 1.2 metres tall, making it ideal for growing in containers or compact garden spaces. It is self-pollinating, so only one tree is needed to enjoy a generous harvest of sweet, golden fruit.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam soil with plenty of added organic material such as compost.
Conditions: Sunny position. If you are in a colder climate, you can grow a Dwarf Meiwa Sweet Kumquat Tree in a container to bring indoors to a sunny window over winter. Citrus always prefers to be outside in direct sunlight, so once the threat of frost has passed, relocate your potted plant outdoors for the spring and summer months.
Size: Height 1-2m x width 1m