Overview
Tilia cordata is a spreading branched trees in the genus Tilia, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Tilia cordata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include architectural and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe and SW Asia.
About
Tilia cordata is a deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of around 25 meters. It features a broad, columnar shape with a crown that may be rounded or spreading. The leaves are dark green, heart-shaped, and can grow up to 8 cm long, changing to a yellow hue in the fall. In midsummer, this tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are pale creamy-yellow and grow in clusters, often containing up to 10 blooms.
About the genus
Tilia consists of deciduous trees characterized by broad, ovate or heart-shaped foliage. These trees produce drooping clusters of fragrant yellow-green blossoms, which are succeeded by notable winged fruits.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tilia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Sand, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Tilia cordata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, SW Asia
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tilia cordata
- Cultivation
- Suitable for parks and very large gardens. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, with shelter from cold winds. For more advice see tree cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; a suitable tree for coppicing, pleaching and pollarding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, stratified in containers outdoors in spring. See propagate from seed (tree/shrub) Propagate by chip budding although care must be taken with the choice of rootstock
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, horse chestnut scale, caterpillars, sawflies and gall mites
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to sooty mould, phytophthora root rot and honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Tilia cordata?
Suitable for parks and very large gardens. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, with shelter from cold winds. For more advice see tree cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Tilia cordata?
Tilia cordata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tilia cordata need?
Tilia cordata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, sand and loam. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Tilia cordata?
Pruning group 1; a suitable tree for coppicing, pleaching and pollarding.
How big does Tilia cordata grow?
Tilia cordata reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Tilia cordata hardy in the UK?
Tilia cordata has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Tilia cordata?
Propagate by seed, stratified in containers outdoors in spring. See propagate from seed (tree/shrub) Propagate by chip budding although care must be taken with the choice of rootstock.
Is Tilia cordata good for pollinators?
Yes — Tilia cordata attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.