Overview
Tilia tuan is a spreading branched trees in the genus Tilia, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Tilia tuan grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural and wildlife gardens.
About
Tilia tuan is a species of flowering plant found in forests at elevations of 1200–2400 m in the central Chinese provinces of Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang. The species has long been regarded as the most variable lime within China, acquiring numerous synonyms; three varieties are currently recognized.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tilia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Tilia tuan size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tilia tuan
- Propagation
- Seed, Chip budding, Suckers
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Horse chestnut scale, Caterpillars, Sawflies, Gall mites
- Disease resistance
- Sooty mould, Phytophthora root rot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tilia tuan?
Tilia tuan prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tilia tuan need?
Tilia tuan is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Tilia tuan hardy in the UK?
Tilia tuan has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Tilia tuan?
Seed, Chip budding, Suckers.
More in the Tilia genus
- Tilia chingiana

- Tilia cordata 'Green Globe'
- Tilia cordata 'Lico'small-leaved lime 'Lico'
- Tilia cordata 'Rancho'small-leaved lime 'Rancho'
- Tilia cordata 'Swedish Upright'
- Tilia dasystyla subsp. caucasica 'Select'

- Tilia dasystyla subsp. dasystyla

- Tilia henryana 'Kerdalo'Henry's lime 'Kerdalo'