Citrus ‘Bearss’ Lime Tree

Citrus ‘Bearss’ Lime Tree is a semi-dwarf cultivar that is valued not only for fruit production but also for ornamental purposes and can fit beautifully into an edible landscape. The tree blooms prolifically in clusters of showy, highly fragrant, waxy white blossoms with purple-tinged margins and yellow anthers. Citrus ‘Bearss’ Lime Tree produces an abundant crop of 2- to 3-inch fruit with a thin, smooth rind. The seedless flesh is juicy, acidic, and finely textured with a strong fresh flavor. At full maturity, the fruit remains vivid green in warmer tropical climates, but turns light yellow in cooler climates. The heaviest crops occur during winter and early spring, but the tree bears fruit year-round. When protected from heavy frosts, the fruits store well on the tree.

In the garden, Citrus ‘Bearss’ Lime Tree can grow to between 10 and 15 feet tall at full maturity (about 4 years), but the plant can be pruned to maintain any desired size and shape. In cooler climates, the tree can be grown in a container and moved indoors during winter, if ample sunlight is provided. Container growth is likely to be smaller and vary with pot size. Although a container grown tree will not reach its full growth potential, it will still flower and set full-sized fruits.

A highly popular variety, Citrus ‘Bearss’ Lime Tree, a nearly thornless evergreen, also known as Tahitian lime, Persian lime, and bartender’s lime, has a compact, shrub-like habit and a dense, rounded canopy of drooping branches covered in handsome, glossy, broadly lanceolate foliage. It has nearly thornless stems and a moderate growth rate. The tree makes an excellent accent or specimen and can be trained as an espalier. But it is also a great houseplant.

Citrus ‘Bearss’ Lime Tree requires at least 8 hours of full sun a day and grows best in fertile, well-draining soil that has a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It has the best winter hardiness of any of the lime trees and will briefly tolerate temperatures around 32°F, but the plant should be protected when temperatures fall below 32°F. If container grown, the plant should be brought inside at the first sign of frost and placed in a location with plenty of bright sunshine. It should not be kept too warm, however, because cooler winter temperatures encourage flowering. The tree is self-pollinating and will bear fruit without any pollen from other varieties.

Citrus trees will ship at the appropriate planting time based on your growing zone. Citrus trees do not ship in December or January. Plant height is 18-36″ when shipped.