Semi-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 semi-dwarf citrus varieties you can grow on your patio or deck, or in your garden landscape.
Semi-Dwarf Citrus Varieties
Available Fall 2024 While Supplies Last:
- Calamondin: Calamansi
- Grapefruit: Valentine Pummelo
- Kumquat: Nagami
- Lemon: Eureka, Genoa (Italian), and Improved Meyer
- Lime: Australian Finger, Bearss Seedless, and Yuzu
- Orange: Moro Blood, Tarocco Blood, Trovita, and Washington Navel
- Tangelo: Minneola
Selection and sizes vary by location and are available seasonally, while supplies last. Contact your local SummerWinds Nursery with questions about current availability, specific varieties or sizes.
Some Semi-Dwarf Citrus Favorites
Please contact your local SummerWinds Nursery to check availability.
Australian Finger Lime
The Australian Finger Lime (Citrus australasica) is an exotic citrus plant with caviar-like fruit, ideal for adding a gourmet touch to dishes. The small, thorny tree is well-suited to hot desert climates like Phoenix. Finger limes thrive in semi-shaded spots and offer unique, tangy citrus pearls that burst with flavor, perfect for garnishing seafood, cocktails, and salads.
- Climate: Hot, dry tolerance; partial sun
- Size: 6-8 feet
- Water: Moderate; water deeply every 1-2 weeks, especially in dry periods
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate; provide protection when frost is expected (below 32°F)
- Fruit: Caviar-like, tangy pearls
- Pests/Diseases: Minimal with basic care
- Pollination: Self-fertile
Calamansi Calamondin
The Calamansi Calamondin (Citrus microcarpa) is a compact, ornamental citrus tree known for its small, tangy fruits. Popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, this hybrid of kumquat and mandarin thrives in hot climates like Phoenix, AZ. The fruit, with its tart flavor, is perfect for beverages, marinades, and preserves. The tree also offers fragrant blossoms, making it both a culinary and decorative addition to home gardens.
- Climate: Warm, dry tolerance; full to partial sun
- Size: 6-10 feet
- Water: Moderate, but increase frequency in extreme heat (deep water weekly)
- Frost Tolerance: Low; protect when temperatures fall below 30°F
- Fruit: Small, tart, aromatic
- Pests/Diseases: Minimal; some aphid susceptibility
- Pollination: Self-fertile
Improved Meyer Lemon
The Improved Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri) is a versatile and popular citrus tree, prized for its sweeter, thin-skinned lemons. Ideal for warm climates, this compact tree produces a high yield of fruits, perfect for juicing, desserts, and cooking. Its ornamental value, with fragrant flowers and bright fruit, makes it a must-have for home gardeners.
- Climate: Warm, dry tolerance; full sun
- Size: 6-10 feet
- Water: Moderate; water weekly during hot weather
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate, but sensitive to frost below 28°F
- Fruit: Sweet, juicy, thin-skinned lemons
- Pests/Diseases: Some susceptibility to aphids and mites
- Pollination: Self-fertile
Minneola Tangelo
The Minneola Tangelo (Citrus × tangelo) is a hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit, offering juicy, easy-to-peel fruits with a delightful balance of sweetness and tang. This small to medium-sized tree thrives in warm, sunny climates and is a popular choice for citrus lovers. Its bell-shaped fruit and rich flavor make it perfect for fresh eating or juicing.
- Climate: Warm, dry tolerance; full sun
- Size: 8-12 feet
- Water: Moderate; deep water every 1-2 weeks during extreme heat
- Frost Tolerance: Low to moderate; protect from frost when temperatures dip below 28°F
- Fruit: Sweet-tart, juicy, bell-shaped
- Pests/Diseases: Minimal; basic care required
- Pollination: Self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination for better yield
Moro Blood Orange
The Moro Blood Orange (Citrus × sinensis) is a striking citrus tree that produces deep red, sweet-tart fruit with a distinctive berry-like flavor. Ideal for hot, sunny climates, the tree adds a beautiful ornamental touch with its vibrant fruit and fragrant blooms. Blood oranges are perfect for juicing, desserts, or enjoying fresh, adding both color and flavor to dishes.
- Climate: Warm, sunny locations; full sun
- Size: 10-15 feet
- Water: Moderate, but more frequent deep watering in summer (weekly)
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate, though it can be susceptible to damage below 30°F
- Fruit: Sweet, tart with berry notes, deep red
- Pests/Diseases: Minimal; may need aphid management
- Pollination: Self-fertile
Nagami Kumquat
The Nagami Kumquat (Citrus japonica) is a small, evergreen tree that produces an abundance of tiny, oval-shaped fruits with a sweet peel and tart flesh. This unique citrus can be eaten whole, making it perfect for snacking, marmalades, or garnishes. It's well-suited for container growth and thrives in warm, sunny environments, making it a great addition to gardens in Phoenix.
- Climate: Warm and sunny; full sun
- Size: 8-10 feet
- Water: Moderate, increase frequency during high summer heat
- Frost Tolerance: Low to moderate; can withstand some cold but protect below 30°F
- Fruit: Small, sweet peel, tart flesh
- Pests/Diseases: Minimal; may attract scale insects
- Pollination: Self-fertile
Valentine Pummelo Grapefruit
The Valentine Pummelo Grapefruit (Citrus maxima × Citrus paradisi) is a hybrid citrus that combines the best traits of a pummelo and grapefruit, producing large, heart-shaped fruits. Its sweet, mild flavor with a hint of berry makes it unique among grapefruits. This tree thrives in warm climates and is a beautiful ornamental addition with its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant blooms.
- Climate: Warm, sunny locations; full sun
- Size: 10-15 feet
- Water: Moderate, deep watering every 1-2 weeks in summer
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate, but provide protection during rare frosts (below 28°F)
- Fruit: Large, sweet, berry-flavored
- Pests/Diseases: Minimal; may need pest monitoring
- 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.
