About

A deciduous, slightly upright tree about 20m in height, with broadly-ovate vivid 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 scented, 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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-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
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 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