About
A spreading, deciduous tree eventually reaching 25m in height, with broadly-ovate lime green leaves to 13cm long, softly downy on both surfaces and edged with bristle-like teeth, the leaves often emerge red-tinged, then turning yellow in autumn. Clusters of perfumed, creamy-white flowers are borne in late summer and early autumn.
About the genus
Tilia are deciduous trees with broadly ovate or heart-shaped leaves and pendulous clusters of fragrant yellow-green flowers, followed by conspicuous winged fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toC China
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationSuitable 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
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate 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 resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, horse chestnut scale, caterpillars, sawflies and gall mites
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to sooty mould, phytophthora root rot and honey fungus