Large-leaved Lime
Tilia platyphyllos · Malvaceae
📷 Chmee2 · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around large-leaved lime and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to July, pale yellow melliferous flowers
- Mature size
- 20 m tall, 15 m wide
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20 °C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, prefers neutral to alkaline soils
- Lifespan
- Can live 500 years or more
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Tilia platyphyllos grows slowly in its first years (10 m in 10 years), then accelerates to 20+ m. Plant it in deep, cool, well-draining soil.
The common mistake
Underestimating growth and planting it too close to other trees, creating root competition.
The pro's trick
In May-June, its foliage is pollinator paradise.
Care
Watering
The large-leaved linden appreciates regular watering during the first year after planting to promote root establishment. Once established, it tolerates drought well and only requires water during prolonged dry periods. In Mediterranean or arid climates, keep the soil slightly moist in summer.
Exposure
Plant the linden in full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. It also tolerates partial shade, but give it at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Good light also promotes nectar production and attractiveness to pollinators.
Pruning and training
The linden requires only light formative pruning during the first few years. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Pruning in late winter (February-March) before growth resumes is preferable. Lindens tolerate pruning well and can be cut back if necessary.
Soil preparation
Prefer soil rich in organic matter, well-drained, and with neutral to alkaline pH. Enrich the soil at planting with mature compost or quality potting soil. Avoid overly acidic or compacted soils that slow growth.
Fertilization
An application of compost or well-decomposed manure in autumn is generally sufficient. In poor soil, a balanced fertilizer in spring can stimulate growth. The established tree requires only minimal nutritional maintenance.
Diseases and pests
The linden is generally robust and not very susceptible to serious diseases. Watch for spider mites during hot, dry periods. Some insects like aphids may colonize the leaves without causing major damage. Good drainage and regular aeration prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
The large-leaved linden has been a sacred tree in Europe since antiquity. In many French villages, a centuries-old linden often shades the village square, symbolizing stability and community life. Its flowers are renowned for producing highly prized honey, and linden flower tea is traditionally used for its soothing properties.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Small-leaved limeTilia cordata
- Rose of SharonHibiscus syriacus
- Marsh mallowAlthaea officinalis
- Silver LimeTilia tomentosa
- Crimean lindenTilia euchlora
- Swamp hibiscusHibiscus moscheutos
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.