Green Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) – Mini Evergreen Citrus Tree (15cm Pot)

A compact evergreen citrus, 40 to 50cm tall, with glossy leaves, scented white blossom and the chance of fruit on a sunny patio or windowsill.

This is the mini green lime, Citrus aurantiifolia. Its shiny dark green leaves are there all year, the white blossom carries a fresh citrus scent in spring and summer, and the small tangy limes that follow can go into drinks, cooking and desserts. In a container it settles at around 1 to 1.5 metres tall and 60 to 100cm across.

Citrus is not hardy in Britain. Stand it outside in full sun from about May, then bring it into a bright, frost free place such as a conservatory, porch or cool greenhouse from about October until the frosts are over. A cool bright winter suits it far better than a warm dark room. It is self fertile, so one plant will fruit. Use a citrus feed through the growing season, water with rainwater where you can, and never let it sit in waterlogged compost. Bees visit the blossom when it is outside. Citrus is listed as harmful to pets if eaten, and the sap of lemon and lime can irritate skin in sunlight.

It is supplied as an established plant 40 to 50cm tall in a 15cm pot, grown in peat free compost.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Green lime
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 1 to 1.5m x 60 to 100cm in a container
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy citrus tree
• Perfect For: Sunny patios, conservatories, bright windowsills, containers
• Foliage: Glossy dark green, evergreen
• Flowering Time: Spring and summer, scented white blossom
• Fruit: Small green limes for the kitchen
• Planting Position: Full sun outdoors in summer; a bright frost free spot indoors in winter; grown in a container
• Soil Type: Free draining citrus compost
• Hardiness: Not hardy; protect from frost
• Maintenance: Moderate: citrus feed, rainwater and a cool bright winter
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen all year; scented blossom and fruit through spring, summer, autumn and winter
• Type: Tender evergreen citrus tree