Dwarf Citrus Trees
Specialty Semi-Dwarf Citrus Trees
At SummerWinds Nursery, we carry a variety of specialty semi-dwarf citrus trees—perfect for growing in small spaces or as a container specimen.
Do you enjoy the taste of fresh citrus—whether eaten raw, added as an ingredient to a homemade recipe, or squeezed into your favorite beverage? Check out these nine semi-dwarf citrus varieties you can grow on your patio or deck, or in your garden landscape.
Semi-Dwarf Citrus Varieties
Available While Supplies Last - Selection Varies by Location
Grapefruit - Valentine Pummelo Grapefruit- Lemons
- Buddha’s Hand Lemon
- Eureka Lemon
- Genoa Italian Lemon
- Lisbon Lemon
- Improved Meyer Lemon
- Variegated Pink Lemon
- Santa Teresa Lemon
- Limes
- Australian Finger Lime
- Bearss Seedless Lime
- Giant Key Lime
- Kieffer (Thai) Lime
- Mexican Key Lime
- Rangpur Lime
- Thornless Mexican Lime
- Yuzu Lime
- Kumquats
- Centennial Variegated Kumquat
- Eustis Limequat Kumquat
- Fukushu Kumquat
- Indio Mandarinquat Kumquat
- Marumi Kumquat
- Nagami Kumquat
- Nordman Seedless Kumquat
- Mandarins
- Clementine Mandarin
- Clementine Nour Mandarin
- Dancy Mandarin
- Lee X Nova Mandarin
- Owari Satsuma Mandarin
- Pixie Mandarin
- Royal Mandarin
- Oranges
- Bream Tarocco Blood Orange
- Cara Cara Navel Orange
- Chinotto Sour Orange
- Lane Late Navel Orange
- Pixie Mandarin
- Sanguinelli Blood Orange
- Smith Red Orange
- Trovita Orange
- Washington Navel Orange
- Tangelo - Minneola Tangelo
Sizes and selection varies by location and is available seasonally, while supplies last. Contact your local SummerWinds Nursery with questions about current availability, specific varieties or sizes.
Some Semi-Dwarf Citrus Favorites
Australian Finger Lime
The Australian Finger Lime (Citrus australasica) is an exotic citrus plant ideal for Phoenix, AZ, gardens, especially in a semi-dwarf form. Adaptable to the hot desert climate, these compact trees can thrive and produce unique, caviar-like fruits with proper care. They're suited for small spaces or containers, adding both ornamental beauty and culinary value with their distinct, flavorful fruits.
- Climate: Hot, dry tolerance; partial sun.
- Size: 6-8 feet.
- Water: Moderate; regular.
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate.
- Fruit: Caviar-like, tangy.
- Pests/Diseases: Minimal; basic care.
- Pollination: Self-fertile.
Bergamot/Kieffer/Kaffir/Makrut Lime
The Kaffir or Makrut Lime (Citrus hystrix) is a valuable citrus plant for culinary and ornamental use, particularly well-suited to Phoenix, AZ, when grown in a semi-dwarf form. This plant is cherished for its distinctively flavored leaves and fruit, which are staples in Southeast Asian cuisine. Despite Phoenix's challenging desert climate, a semi-dwarf Makrut Lime can flourish with the right care, offering gardeners both a source of unique flavors for cooking and an attractive addition to their garden landscape.
- Climate: Heat tolerant; partial shade.
- Size: 6-10 feet.
- Water: Regular; avoid overwatering.
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate.
- Fruit: Aromatic leaves, rare fruits.
- Pests/Diseases: Watch for common pests.
- Pollination: Self-fertile.
Buddha's Hand Lemon
The Buddha's Hand Lemon (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) stands out in any garden with its unique, finger-like segments extending from the fruit, resembling a hand in prayer. This ornamental and culinary citrus plant is an intriguing addition to Phoenix, AZ gardens, especially in its semi-dwarf form. It thrives in the warm, arid climate of Phoenix, provided it receives adequate care. The Buddha's Hand is primarily grown for its fragrant zest and decorative qualities, as the fruit contains little to no juice or pulp.
- Climate: Warm, sunny.
- Size: 5-8 feet.
- Water: Moderate to high.
- Frost Tolerance: Low.
- Fruit: Fingered, zest used.
- Pests/Diseases: Standard citrus care.
- Pollination: Self-fertile.
Kumquat 'Fukushu'
The Kumquat 'Fukushu' (Fortunella obovata 'Fukushu') is a delightful citrus variety that is well-suited for cultivation in Phoenix, AZ, especially when grown in a semi-dwarf form. This variety is cherished for its sweet, edible peel and tart flesh, making the fruits a popular snack and a versatile ingredient in culinary applications. The 'Fukushu' kumquat is not only productive but also ornamental, with its compact size, glossy green leaves, and abundant, fragrant flowers followed by vibrant orange fruit.
- Climate: Hot, dry adaptable.
- Size: 6-8 feet.
- Water: Moderate; summer focus.
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate.
- Fruit: Sweet peel, tart flesh.
- Pests/Diseases: Common citrus pests.
- Pollination: Self-fertile.
Limequat
The Limequat (a hybrid of lime and kumquat, typically Citrus × floridana) combines the best traits of its parentage, offering both ornamental appeal and culinary versatility. Well-suited for the warm, arid environment of Phoenix, AZ, especially in semi-dwarf form, limequats are resilient, productive, and can be a delightful addition to any garden space or patio. This citrus hybrid is particularly valued for its small, oval fruits that bear the tartness of limes with the sweet, edible peel of kumquats, making them a unique ingredient for culinary experiments.
- Climate: Warm, sun protection.
- Size: 4-8 feet.
- Water: Moderate to high.
- Frost Tolerance: Some.
- Fruit: Tart, thin skin.
- Pests/Diseases: Typical citrus pests.
- Pollination: Self-fertile.
Mandarinquat
The Mandarinquat is a unique citrus hybrid between a mandarin and a kumquat, offering the best of both worlds with its sweet, edible peel and juicy, slightly tart flesh. This fruit is especially appealing for gardens in Phoenix, AZ, when grown in a semi-dwarf form, as it adapts well to the desert climate while providing an ornamental display and delicious fruits. Mandarinquats are valued for their versatility in culinary uses, from fresh eating to marmalades and garnishes, making them a delightful addition to the home garden.
- Climate: Hot, dry friendly.
- Size: 6-10 feet.
- Water: Moderate; consistent.
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate.
- Fruit: Sweet, slightly tart.
- Pests/Diseases: Watch for pests.
- Pollination: Self-fertile.
Mexican Key Lime
The Mexican Key Lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia), also known as the Key lime, is a highly prized citrus for its aromatic, flavorful limes, essential for culinary uses like the famous Key lime pie. In Phoenix, AZ, the Mexican Key Lime, particularly in a semi-dwarf form, is an excellent choice for home gardens. It thrives under the warm sun, offering not only delicious fruits but also an attractive, fragrant addition to the landscape. Its tolerance to heat and adaptability to container growing make it a versatile option for Phoenix gardeners.
- Climate: Hot, needs hydration.
- Size: 6-12 feet.
- Water: Moderate to high.
- Frost Tolerance: Frost sensitive.
- Fruit: Tart, flavorful.
- Pests/Diseases: Aphids, mites.
- Pollination: Generally self-fertile.
Owari Satsuma Mandarin
The Owari Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus reticulata 'Owari') is a cold-hardy citrus variety renowned for its sweet, seedless fruits and easy-peeling skin, making it a favorite for fresh eating. In Phoenix, AZ, the Owari Satsuma, especially in a semi-dwarf form, is well-suited for backyard orchards, thanks to its resilience to cooler temperatures compared to other citrus and its ability to produce abundantly in the desert climate. Its early ripening season allows gardeners to enjoy its juicy fruits from fall to early winter, providing a delightful harvest when many other fruits are out of season.
- Climate: Warm, cold hardy.
- Size: 6-10 feet.
- Water: Moderate.
- Frost Tolerance: Good.
- Fruit: Sweet, seedless.
- Pests/Diseases: Less prone.
- Pollination: Self-fertile, enhanced by another citrus.
Variegated Calamondin Orange
The Variegated Calamondin Orange (Citrus mitis 'Variegata') is a strikingly ornamental citrus variety, known for its beautifully variegated leaves and small, tart oranges. This variety is especially well-suited for Phoenix, AZ, in a semi-dwarf form, offering not just aesthetic appeal with its green and white foliage but also culinary versatility through its fruits. The Variegated Calamondin thrives in the warm, sunny climate of Phoenix, making it an excellent choice for both outdoor gardens and indoor containers, where it can brighten spaces and provide a fresh citrus scent.
- Climate: Hot, dry suitable.
- Size: 4-6 feet.
- Water: Moderate.
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate sensitivity.
- Fruit: Tart, decorative.
- Pests/Diseases: Common citrus care.
- Pollination: Self-fertile.
Fertilize Your Citrus Trees & Shrubs
We recommend fertilizing your citrus three times a year—in September, February and May.
Click the buttons below to learn more about citrus:
Citrus Feeding Time Citrus Tree Care Citrus Tree VarietiesPlanting a Tree?
Watch our video to learn how to do it like the pros!
This video will show you the basics to planting trees, shrubs and more. We will focus on trees but the same can apply to shrubs, perennials and more. With these simple steps, you can successfully plant your next garden.
