Tilia tomentosa

Tilia tomentosa

Common name: Silver Lime, Silver Linden

Description: This magnificent deciduous tree is one of the most elegant limes, distinguished by its striking bi-coloured foliage. The large, heart-shaped leaves have dark green upper surfaces and beautiful silvery-white undersides, creating a shimmering effect when stirred by the breeze. In mid-summer, the tree produces clusters of small, fragrant yellowish-white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators and fill the air with a sweet honey scent. The naturally pyramidal to rounded crown creates excellent shade and presence in larger gardens, parks, or as a street tree. Unlike common lime, this species is less prone to aphid infestation and the associated sticky honeydew. The autumn foliage turns warm shades of yellow before falling, whilst the smooth grey bark provides winter interest.

Other benefits: fragrant summer flowers, distinctive silvery foliage, excellent shade tree, less aphid-prone than common lime, attractive to wildlife, tolerates urban pollution

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

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 6m x 4m

Position: full sun to partial shade; tolerates exposed positions

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

Moisture: moderate watering when young; tolerates some drought once established; prefers moist but well-drained soil

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