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Citrus australasica ‘Australian Blood Red Centre’ – Australian Finger Lime

About Your New Citrus australasica ‘Australian Blood Red Centre’ – Australian Finger Lime

Citrus australasica 'Australian Blood Red Centre' is a selected form of the Australian native finger lime, a compact evergreen citrus with fine dense foliage and thorny stems. The cylindrical fruit is the point of difference, splitting to release juicy crimson vesicles that separate like caviar and hold their shape on the plate.

It adds 20 to 50 centimetres a year to a mature 2 to 3 metres tall and around 2 metres wide. Full sun to part shade, fertile free draining soil and steady moisture through flowering and fruiting give the best crops. It takes light to moderate frost once established and grows well in coastal gardens.

Plant it in kitchen gardens, small orchards and courtyard beds, or grow it in a large container on a sunny terrace. Rainforest understorey origins mean it accepts more shade than most citrus, so it fills a spot beneath high canopy where a lemon would sulk. Fruit ripens from autumn into winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Blood Red Centre Finger Lime

What is Citrus australasica 'Australian Blood Red Centre'?

It is a named selection of the Australian finger lime, a rainforest citrus native to the border ranges of Queensland and northern New South Wales. This form is grown for fruit with deep red vesicles rather than the more common green or pink. The plant itself is a dense, thorny evergreen shrub with small fine leaves.

How big does it grow?

Expect 2 to 3 metres tall and about 2 metres wide over time, with growth of 20 to 50 centimetres a year. The habit is naturally compact and can be held lower with light pruning. In a container it typically stays around 1.5 metres, which is one reason it is popular in small gardens.

When does it flower and fruit?

Small white flowers appear in spring, September through November, and often flush again in warm weather. Fruit takes several months to fill and colour, ripening from about March through to July depending on the season and district. Fruit is ready when it detaches with gentle pressure, and it does not improve once picked.

Is it frost tolerant?

It handles light to moderate frost once established, better than most citrus, but young plants need protection through their first couple of winters. In frost prone gardens plant it in a sheltered spot with overhead cover or against a north facing wall. Severe frost burns the new growth and can set fruiting back a season.

Can it grow in pots?

Yes, it is one of the better citrus for containers thanks to its compact habit and modest root system. Use a pot at least 50 centimetres wide with a premium citrus mix, feed through the growing season and keep watering consistent. Uneven watering during fruit fill causes drop, so mulch the surface of the pot.

Is it suitable for coastal positions?

Yes, it grows well in coastal gardens with some shelter from direct salt laden wind. The fine foliage handles humidity and salt spray better than most citrus, which makes it a practical choice on the east coast. Behind a fence, hedge or building line it performs reliably in beachside and estuary gardens.

How do I care for a finger lime?

Feed three times a year with a citrus fertiliser, in early spring, midsummer and early autumn, and keep a thick mulch clear of the trunk. Water deeply in dry weather, especially while fruit is filling. Prune lightly after harvest to open the bush and remove dead wood. Watch for citrus leaf miner on soft new growth.

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Uses in my Garden

  • Edible Garden
  • Feature Tree
  • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Citrus australasica ‘Australian Blood Red Centre’ – Australian Finger Lime works in an:

  • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
  • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.

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Planting Information

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