Small-leaved Lime Greenspire

A pyramidal form of the small-leaved lime, Tilia cordata Greenspire makes a particularly good avenue tree. It’s a medium-sized to tall, vigorous, deciduous tree with a narrowly conical habit. It can be limbed up to create a bare trunk if wished. The heart-shaped leaves are a deep, glossy green, turning yellow before leaf-fall in autumn. In June, pale yellow, scented, rather unobtrusive flowers are borne, which are very attractive to bees, and are followed by typical lime seed-pods. It is not attractive to aphids, so does not suffer from the associated honeydew falling from the tree. Small-leaved lime Greenspire holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Well drained, moist, alkaline to neutral soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Spring to autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 50’ (15m) Spread: 26’ (8m) after 20-50 years