Tilia cordata 'Winter Orange'

Tilia cordata 'Winter Orange'

Common name: Winter Orange Small-leaved Lime

Description: This exceptional cultivar of small-leaved lime is celebrated for its outstanding winter stem colour that provides year-round interest. The young twigs and branches develop brilliant orange to coral-red tones that are particularly striking against winter skies and create a spectacular display when backlit by low sun. In summer, the small, neat heart-shaped leaves create an attractive rounded canopy, whilst fragrant yellowish flowers appear in mid-summer, producing a sweet honey scent beloved by bees. The compact, symmetrical growth habit makes this an excellent choice for smaller gardens where a feature tree is desired. The autumn foliage turns attractive shades of golden-yellow before revealing the stunning winter stems that give this cultivar its name.

Other benefits: spectacular orange winter stems, fragrant summer flowers, compact habit suitable for smaller gardens, excellent for bees, attractive autumn colour, neat rounded crown

Wildlife attraction: bees (flowers are highly attractive to pollinators), butterflies, moths, nesting birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 5m x 3m

Position: full sun to partial shade; best stem colour in full sun

Soil pH: adaptable; thrives in neutral to alkaline soils; tolerates chalky conditions

Moisture: moderate watering; prefers moist but well-drained soil; reasonably drought tolerant once established

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -25°C and below