TreesTilia cordata
Small-leaved Lime
Small-leaved Lime is a stately, long-lived tree with a broad, densely branched crown and heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. In June and July, fragrant, yellow-green flowers appear that attract vast numbers of bees — the lime is one of Europe's most important bee plants. In autumn, the foliage turns warm yellow.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 1500–3000 cm
- Spread
- 800–1500 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–7
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies, birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in sun or partial shade in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Lime tolerates urban conditions well and is widely planted as an avenue tree. Water young trees regularly; mature trees are self-sufficient. Allow for the ultimate size when choosing a location.
Pruning tips
Prune in winter when the tree is dormant. Remove dead wood and crossing branches. Lime takes well to shaping and is traditionally used as a pleached tree. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season.
Good companions
TreesBetula pendula
Silver Birch
Silver Birch is a graceful, fast-growing tree with striking white bark that peels in thin layers over the years. The fine, pendulous branches give the tree an airy, elegant silhouette. In autumn, the small triangular leaves turn bright yellow.
TreesAcer palmatum
Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple is a graceful tree or large shrub with deeply lobed, palmate leaves that turn spectacular shades of red, orange, or gold in autumn. Its elegant growth habit makes it a focal point in any garden. Hundreds of cultivars exist, from compact and rounded to broad and spreading.
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.