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TILIA
Commonly known as Lime, Linden
Genus of 23 species of deciduous trees found in woodland in Europe, Asia and North America. They grow into stately specimens and some have colourful red winter shoots. Included are 3 UK natives, small-leaved, large-leaved and common which is a hybrid of these. Lime leaves are food for several moth species and are very attractive to aphids which in turn attract insects, especially hoverflies and ladybirds. These in turn attract birds. Bees are attracted by the flowers and also drink the honeydew excreted by aphids. Nectar of T. tomentosa and T. tomentosa 'Petiolaris' and oliveri however may be toxic to bees, especially bumblebees.
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DeciduousBroadly ovate, dark green leaves to 12cm (5in) long, tapering to sharp points at the tips, densely white-hairy beneath and turning pale yellow in autumn
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Height15m (49ft) -
Spread10m (33ft)
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TreeSpreading tree. Produces cymes of 6-10 flowers 1cm (½in) across in midsummer with a conspicuous pale green bract
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Hardy - very cold winterHardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F) -
Full sun -
Partial shadeLight, dappled shade
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional Features
Good to knowSome reports suggest this tree is toxic to bees. Does not drip honeydew as does not support aphids.
Pests & DiseasesHoney fungus, Phytophthora root rot
Place of originCentral China. Named after Kew botanist Daniel Oliver (1830-1916) -
HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf margin
Serrate(see photos above) -
Leaf shape
Ovate
(see photos above) -
Pruning group
Pruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
RHS group 1 -
Scented PlantsScented flowers
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Seasonal InterestSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soil
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Tree ShapeRounded to broadly spreading
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Wildlife
Bee friendly
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- Ties - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Restaking fallen young trees - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Fallen old tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Clearing up fallen beech tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring pruning - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing side shoots - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Pruning and Shaping Magnolia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Deer protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Weed Spraying - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing Ivy - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing wire protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tree Survey - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Crown uplift - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing shoots below graft - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing peeling bark - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Maintaining variegation - Video Tip ondemand_video
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15m (49ft)
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10m (33ft) |
Buy Varieties of TILIA
TILIA chenmoui
recently introduced Chinese lime. Narrow silver-green leaves and cream flowers
Gift-wrapping available
TILIA cordata
heart-shaped glossy leaves. Scented flowers in summer.
TILIA cordata 'Winter Orange'
an outstanding plant with red buds and pronounced orange twigs and shoots in winter. Ivory-white scented flowers and butter-yellow autumn colour
Gift-wrapping available
TILIA henryana
a rare tree with huge ovate leaves which have pronounced bristles or teeth. Attractive and unusual flowers in the autumn
TILIA kiusiana
a large shrub or small tree which scarcely looks like a lime when first seeing its leaves. Highly scented flowers in August or September
TILIA mongolica
ivy-like leaves, reddish new shoots and leaf stalks. Brilliant yellow autumn colour
TILIA mongolica 'Harvest Gold'
attractive yellow new leaves later fading to green with brilliant yellow autumn colour
Useful extras...
