Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
Persian lime (Citrus x latifolia) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rutaceae family, native to Hybrid of Key lime and lemon, origin uncertain (Southeast Asia). It grows 3–5 m (10–16 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Persian lime in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Persian lime at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 9–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit, zest, leaves |
| Native to | Hybrid of Key lime and lemon, origin uncertain (Southeast Asia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Persian lime toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, peel, sap
Furanocoumarins in the sap and peel cause skin photosensitivity in people, and citrus oils cause vomiting and drooling in pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Persian lime
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Citrus greening (HLB): Spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, which also breeds on curry leaf (Murraya). Evidence B
- Xylella fastidiosa: Insect-spread bacterium (EU quarantine pest) hitting olive, lavender, rosemary, oleander, Prunus and citrus. Evidence B
Questions about Persian lime
- How far apart should I plant Persian lime?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Persian lime need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Persian lime need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Persian lime?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Persian lime flower?
- From about March for 9–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Persian lime poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Furanocoumarins in the sap and peel cause skin photosensitivity in people, and citrus oils cause vomiting and drooling in pets.
- What grows well with Persian lime?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Persian lime. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Seedless triploid; frost-tender (zones 9b–11), damaged at about −2 °C. Fruit is picked green and bears most of the year in warm climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia
- Grapefruit Citrus x paradisi