Small Leaved Lime (tilia cordata)

• Native deciduous tree (up to 20–30m tall), long-lived (centuries) with a dense, domed crown providing excellent shade.
• Fragrant pale yellow flowers in midsummer, rich in nectar – highly attractive to bees (important honey source) and other pollinators.
• Supports wildlife: leaves feed moth caterpillars; seeds for birds and mice; aphids provide food for ladybirds and hoverflies.
• Attractive Heart-Shaped glossy green leaves turning butter-yellow in autumn; smooth grey bark develops ridges with age.
• Tolerant of most soils (including clay, chalk), urban pollution, and clipping – ideal for avenues, parks, pleaching, or hedging; RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown autumn or spring.
• Location: Full sun to partial shade; deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil (tolerates clay/chalk but dislikes very dry or waterlogged); requires ample space – unsuitable for small gardens (mature spread 10–15m+).
• Preparation: Dig large hole twice root ball width; incorporate organic matter in poor soils.
• Planting: Set at original depth (check trunk soil mark); stake young trees; firm in, water deeply, mulch base (keep clear of trunk).
• Aftercare: Water regularly first few years in dry spells; minimal pruning (winter for form, summer for hedging); protect from rabbits/deer; monitor for aphids (which produce honeydew) or gall mites; low-maintenance once established.