Plant, cut lime tree & propagate

They are easy to care for, cope well with warm and drier weather and are deeply rooted in our German culture. If you are looking for a new tree for your garden, you will find all information about the lime tree here.

For centuries, linden trees (Tilia) have played an important role in our culture and mythology. Even today, the trees, some of which are very stately, can often be found on town hall squares in the center of town. Lime trees are warmth-loving, insect-friendly and now there are varieties in a wide variety of sizes, so there is something for everyone. For this reason, linden trees are among the trees most commonly found in cities. In this article you will learn how to plant linden trees in the garden, what are their properties and what you need to consider when caring for them. We also show which diseases and pests can afflict linden trees.

Lime Tree: Flower, Leaves and Properties

Lime trees are assigned to the mallow family (Malvaceae). There are about 50 lime tree species worldwide. We mainly have the small-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos), the small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) and a hybrid between the two species, the Dutch lime ( Tilia x vulgaris), represented. The original distribution of lindens spans the temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The leaves of many linden species are heart-shaped, which is why linden trees are also known as the trees of love.

Tip: Another special feature of the foliage is that it smells very good, especially in autumn when it falls from the tree, decomposes well and makes excellent compost.

Lime trees grow between 15 and 40 meters high, depending on the species and variety. They can be more than 1000 years old, which is due to their high ability to sprout - they can sprout again and again after damage and disease. Lime trees form a taproot in the first years of growth; the root system of older trees, on the other hand, is heart-shaped. That's why Linden can toogood for stabilizing slopes.
In addition, linden trees develop secondary roots, which bring a decisive advantage: linden trees have only a few mechanisms that protect against fungal attack. So it often happens that the trunk is attacked by fungi and decomposes and the tree becomes hollow from the inside with increasing age. However, this does not usually mean the death of the trees, because the secondary roots grow down inside the trunk and thus continue to ensure the water and nutrient supply of the trees.
The fruits of the linden tree are spherical to egg-shaped nuts that fall off whole. A dry-skinned bract serves as a flying horn for wind propagation.
Nevertheless, linden trees are not very competitive, which is why they are rarely found in modern forests.

When do linden trees bloom? The flowering period of the small-leaved linden begins in early to mid-June, followed by the small-leaved linden two weeks later. With up to 60,000 creamy white and pleasantly scented blossoms, linden trees are not only a real treat for us humans, but also a magnet for insects and a huge pasture for bees. Linden trees thus provide food for the hard-working little animals when most of the other trees have long since faded. This makes the linden tree a very important forage plant for honey production. At the same time, the linden blossom also marks the beginning of the phenological midsummer.

The most beautiful lime tree species and varieties for the garden

In addition to species such as silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) or American linden (Tilia americana) we naturally have mainly small-leaved and summer lindens and its hybrid form, the Dutch Lime. There are different varieties of these, which differ mainly in their size and the width of the crown.

Leaf linden

Leaf linden trees often have a magnificent fall foliage colour. They have moderate nutrient requirements and are soil adaptable. They also usually tolerate urban climates and short periods of drought well.

• Tilia cordata 'Greenspire': This linden cultivar is one of the best known and most established cultivars in cities. It grows to a height of 13 to 20 m and is considered to be very tolerant of drought and heat. The ovate, closed crown of Tilia cordata 'Greenspire' can reach a spread of up to 13 m.
• Tilia cordata'Rancho': With a height of 8 to 12 m, 'Rancho' is even smaller than 'Greenspire' and therefore perfect for many gardens. This linden variety grows slowly, is very wind resistant and is usually not attacked by aphids. The crown of 'Rancho' is initially narrow and uniform, but becomes more rounded with age and can reach a width of 8 m.
• Tilia cordata ‘Monto’: This is one of the smallest varieties of small-leaved lime. 'Monto' is only 4 to 5 m high, grows very slowly and is special with its spherical crown shape. However, it should be noted that 'Monto' only rarely flowers and bears fruit. The variety is also more susceptible to leaf spot disease.

Leaf linden trees

Small-leaved limes are significantly more demanding than small-leaved limes. They love evenly moist, deep and nutrient-rich soil. They also love warmth and are susceptible to frost, dry air, drought, air pollution and soil salinity. Therefore, they are only suitable for certain locations.

• Tilia platyphyllos ‘Fastigiata’: Due to the steeply upright growing shoots, this variety has an interesting, narrow pyramid shape. Under good growing conditions, 'Fastigiata' reaches a height of 25 to 30 m and remains very slender with a width of only 3 to 4 m.
• Tilia platyphyllos 'Zelzate': With a height of 12 to 20 m, 'Zelzate' is a slightly smaller, but fast-growing variety . 'Zelzate' is characterized by its dense, ovate to pyramidal crown that grows to 4 to 5 m wide. The tree is considered to be very disease resistant.
• Tilia platyphyllos ‘Örebro’: The name already indicates that it is a variety from Sweden. It was propagated there from 1935. 'Örebro' has a rather slow growth and reaches a height of 15 to 18 m. The side branches, which initially grow very upright, bend down after about 10 years and give 'Örebro' an ovoid crown shape. Another special feature of this small-leaved linden variety is that it flowers very profusely and has an intense scent.

Some more interesting species

• Henry's linden (Tilia henryana): Henry's linden is a species up to 12 m high, originally from originates from China.Tilia henryana has distinctive, hairy-appearing, deeply serrated leaves and does not flower until August, making it very popular with beekeepers. Young trees must be protected from frost, but older trees of the species Tilia henryana are hardy to around -12 °C.
• Japanese Lime (Tilia japonica): Tilia japonica is native to eastern China and Japan and hardly differs from the small-leaved lime known to us. The only difference is the number of chromosomes: the Japanese linden tree has twice as many chromosomes.
• Dutch Lime (Tilia x europaea): The Dutch Lime is a a natural hybrid of large-leaved and small-leaved lime. It grows up to 40 m high and has a very variable, rather broad crown shape. Dutch lime trees are among the more frost-resistant species, but are more susceptible to aphid infestation.

Tip: The appearance of small-leaved and small-leaved limes is very similar and it is only possible to distinguish them by small features. The leaves of small-leaf linden are bare on top, while leaves of small-leaved linden are hairy on top. The fruits of small-leaved lime are rather soft and crushable, those of small-leaved lime are hard and clearly ribbed. The trees can also be distinguished by their bark: the bark of small-leaved limes is often raised much earlier, ribbed and fissured lengthwise, whereas small-leaved limes are slightly more finely furrowed even in middle age.

Planting linden trees: location and procedure

In terms of location, linden trees are quite frugal. They prefer sunny to partially shaded and warm locations. The soil should be permeable and well aerated. Small-leaved limes also tolerate alternating humidity. Furthermore, linden trees generally have moderate nutrient requirements and can also cope well with one or the other dry period. However, there are clear differences between summer and winter linden trees:
Summer linden trees require more warmth and have higher nutritional requirements. They prefer soils with a higher pH value, so liming before planting and at regular intervals afterwards, for example with our Plantura organic lawn and garden lime, can make sense.
Before planting, think carefully about which lime tree suits your location. There should be enough space for the mostly sprawling crown growth.In addition, many linden trees are often infested by aphids when they are in bloom. These hardly harm the tree, but they secrete sticky honeydew. Therefore, you should not plan any parking spaces, pools or seating under lime trees.

Plant Lime:

• The best time to plant linden trees is autumn, before the first frosts.
• The planting hole should be at least twice the size of the root ball.
• Mix the excavated soil with good soil, for example our peat-free Plantura organic universal soil, to improve the soil quality in the long term.
• In the case of baled goods, open the bale cloth or wire baling, but do not remove. Unpot potted stock, then plant so the root collar is flush with the soil surface.
• In the case of large linden trees, place two stakes for the tree connection.
• Fill the planting hole with soil mixture and press down firmly with your full body weight.
• Form a casting ring out of excess soil and water generously.
• Next year, water the tree in case of drought.

Tip: Our Plantura organic universal soil is a win for the lime tree on heavy, dense soil as well as on light, sandy soil. The high content of organic material loosens the soil on the one hand and increases the water and nutrient storage capacity on the other.

Lime tree in a pot: It is also possible to grow linden trees in a pot. It is particularly important to choose a suitable variety and a sufficiently large pot. For example, the varieties 'Monto' or 'Green Globe' are suitable due to their very slow and small growth. Our Plantura organic universal soil, for example, is ideal as a substrate. It is peat-free and thus saves up to 60% CO₂ in production. When growing linden trees in pots, make sure that they are watered regularly and that the water can drain off well so that there is no waterlogging. In addition, potted linden trees need better protection in winter. Please note that the pot has to get bigger with the linden tree and should hold at least 600 liters after a few years.

The right care

On the whole, lime trees are very easy to care for. From a certain age, lime trees no longer need to be watered or fertilized thanks to their widely branched root system. In addition, linden trees are very tolerant of pruning and can be used with somethingPutting effort into pretty much any form.

Lime tree in winter: Generally speaking, linden trees are hardy here. Only in the first years of growth are the plants usually a little more susceptible. Spreading some twigs or fir branches around the tree grate helps as protection.

Water and fertilize linden trees

Lime trees should still be watered during hot and dry periods, especially in the first years of growth. This is no longer necessary later, as the roots of the linden tree then ensure an adequate water supply.

Fertilization is also no longer necessary from a certain size. Above all, however, young small-leaved lime trees look forward to a few extra nutrients in spring. For example, our primarily organic Plantura organic universal fertilizer with a three-month long-term effect can be used for this. Alternatively, finished compost is also suitable.

Pruning linden trees

Lime trees store hardly any tannins or toxins in their wood, which makes them very susceptible to insect and fungal infestation. Since a cut inflicts wounds on the linden tree, this increases its susceptibility significantly. To compensate for this, lime trees react to a cut with a strong new shoot. Frequently cut linden trees, however, often become hollow from the inside, which can lead to a certain instability with age. Lime trees grow into stately trees without pruning, but can be kept small and shaped to the desired shape with regular pruning. It is even possible to grow linden trees planted in a row as a hedge. Either early autumn to September or spring before flowering is a good time to cut. Basically, old and rotten branches should be completely removed when cutting. In the next step you can then further cut your linden tree depending on the desired shape.

Tip: If lime trees are pruned in autumn, they can store fewer reserves and the regrowth is less strong.

Common pests and diseases of the linden tree

Most diseases of linden trees are caused by fungi. Three of the most common are briefly described here.

• Leaf tanning: Leaf tanning caused by the pathogen Apiognomonia tiliae can be recognized by the brown spots with a dark border on the leaves. Often they go from Gallendifferent insects. Since the fungus overwinters on the ground in infected leaves, it is important to remove the foliage in the fall. In addition, vigorous pruning of affected branches down to the he althy wood can help.

• Cercospora leaf spots: Caused by the fungus Cercospora microsora Small, 3 to 4 mm large brown spots also form on the linden leaves Spots with a dark border. In addition, the fungus can attack petioles and twigs. Here, too, the main source of infection in spring is infested autumn leaves, which is why these should be removed if infested. In addition, you should cut back affected branches, which can be recognized by the necrosis that develops there.
• Branch dieback: Branch dieback is caused by the fungus Stigmina pulvinata and can be recognized by the fact that linden trees no longer sprout in spring and many branches die off. The trees can usually compensate for this and at the end of the growth period the tree has a closed crown again. But that does not mean that the tree is he althy again. Control measures are not yet known, but vigorous pruning of infested parts of the plant can also help here.

Some animal pests also infest linden trees. We would like to briefly introduce three of them to you:

• Aphids (Aphidoidea): Aphids, such as the linden ornamental aphid (Eucallipterus tiliae) like to attack linden trees and feed on their assimilates . Aphids secrete so-called honeydew. This is a very sticky liquid that bees use to make honey. However, this also sticks together everything below linden trees and can possibly continue to hinder the tree's photosynthesis due to the colonization of sooty mold fungi. The problem usually regulates itself through natural opponents, such as ladybugs. Small linden trees can also be treated with a neem preparation such as our Plantura pest-free neem. It consists of a 100% herbal and natural active ingredient that is not harmful to bees.

• Great linden borer (Ovalisia (Scintillatrix) rutilans): An infestation with the great linden borer is difficult in the early stages on rather unspecific recognizing symptoms. These include, for example, the withering of leaves inof the crown, irregular swelling of the bark and sap flow. Only later does the bark burst open and parts fall off. If you look closely, you can also see the sloping holes drilled out by the pests in the trunk of the lime tree. Since linden jewel beetles are under protection, direct control is not permitted. The best protection is therefore prevention, by making sure that the trees are as he althy as possible. In particular, already damaged or stressed trees are attacked by the linden jewel beetle.
• Lime spider mite (Eotetranychus tiliarium): Lime spider mites can hardly be seen with the naked eye, but an infestation can still be recognized by the typical ones webs. Glue rings, which are attached around the trunk in winter, are suitable for prevention. Natural opponents of spider mites, such as predatory mites, can be used to combat them.

Care for linden trees at a glance:

• Young linden trees need regular watering during dry periods.
• The same applies to fertilization, which can be done in spring for young trees.
• If you want to shape your linden tree in a certain way, it is best to prune it in early autumn or spring.
• Various pathogens and fungi can affect linden trees. However, the infestation can often be tolerated because the linden trees are not seriously damaged.

Propagation

In principle, lime trees can be propagated vegetatively or generatively using lime seeds. When growing from linden seeds, however, a few years more patience is required and the chances of success are significantly lower. This is because linden seeds develop powerful sprout inhibitors that must first be overcome.

With linden trees, vegetative propagation is a lot easier, because the trees sprout new shoots from superficial roots by themselves. Once you have found such a sapling, you dig it out very generously with a spade and plant it either directly in its new location or first in a pot.
If you don't want to wait until you find a linden sapling by chance, you can use Linden also actively encourage expulsion from the root base. This method is also known as propagation via breaks.

1. Root around the base of the trunk with a substrate such as woodchips, bark mulch orMoss.
2. Shallow cuts on the trunk (before the substrate is applied) can stimulate the tree to sprout even more.
3. Now you have to wait and keep the substrate moist until new shoots grow. These form their roots in the previously filled substrate.
4. In the fall, after spotting a new shoot, carefully inspect the new root. If this is already well formed, the sapling can be carefully cut off and transplanted into a pot filled with a more nutrient-rich substrate such as our Plantura organic universal soil.
5. Until you plant your new linden tree, you should ensure that it is supplied with water and nutrients regularly. It is also important to protect the young trees from frost during the first few winters.

Lime trees are not only good as a magnificent garden tree and insect pasture, their leaves and flowers can also be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen and medicinal medicine. We'll cover that in our article on uses of Linden.