Tilia platyphyllos
large-leaved lime
A fast-growing, broadly columnar, deciduous tree to 40m tall, with large asymmetric heart-shaped, slightly toothed leaves, dark green above, pale green and downy below, turning yellow in autumn. Pendent clusters of 3-5 fragrant pale yellow flowers appear in midsummer
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| 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 GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
- 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. May produce thickets of stems (suckers) at the base of the trunk. 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 or propagate by suckers in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; a suitable tree for coppicing, pleaching and pollarding; remove suckers at the base of the trunk
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.