Tilia henryana

RHS Plant Profile
Henry's lime
Plants for pollinators
Trees

A spreading, deciduous tree eventually reaching 25m in height, with broadly-ovate bright green leaves to 13cm long, softly downy on both surfaces and edged with bristle-like teeth, the leaves often emerge red-tinged, then turning yellow in autumn. Clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers are borne in late summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
C China

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. For more advice see tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed, stratified in containers outdoors in spring. See propagate from seed (tree/shrub) Propagate by chip budding although care must be taken with the choice of rootstock

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Pruning group 1

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