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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

Other common names
European white lime
white lime
Synonyms
Tilia alba
Tilia argentea
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

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

Get involved

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