Tilia platyphyllos
broad-leaved lime
A fast-growing deciduous tree to 40m. It has large asymmetric heart-shaped leaves with slightly toothed edges and these are dark green above, pale green and downy below. The flowers are sweetly fragrant in summer and cream in colour, though barely visible. The young bare stems are red-bronze in winter.
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter | Bronze Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Suitable for parks and very large gardens. Also suited to avenue planting and pleaching/very hard pruning. Grow in fertile alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. For more advice see tree cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. For more advice see propagate from seed (tree/shrub)
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or is a suitable tree for pleaching
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, horse chestnut scale, caterpillars, sawflies and gall mites
Diseases
May be susceptible to sooty mould and phytophthora root disease
Get involved
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