About
A large, broadly pyramidal deciduous tree to 30m in height. Clusters of up to 10 very aromatic, small, white flowers, in summer. Erect branches are often pendent at their tips with white-felted shoots bearing rounded, sharply toothed leaves to 13cm long, dark green above, covered in a silvery-white felt beneath, turning yellow in 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
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Wildlife gardens
Native toEC & SE Europe, SW Asia
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. Usually free of aphids and therefore free of sticky honeydew. For more advice see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, stratified in containers outdoors in spring. See propagate from seed (tree/shrub); or 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