Tilia tomentosa
silver lime
A large, broadly pyramidal deciduous tree to 30m in height. 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. Clusters of up to 10 very fragrant, small, white flowers, in summer
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- EC & SE Europe, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Suitable 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
Propagation
Propagate 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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, horse chestnut scale, caterpillars, sawflies and gall mites
Diseases
May be susceptible to sooty mould, phytophthora root rot and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.