What soil does Large-leaved lime grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Large-leaved lime hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Large-leaved lime be planted?

Plant it at least 4 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Large-leaved lime flower?

Flowering: June–July, yellow.

How much water does Large-leaved lime need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Large-leaved lime cost?

It sells for roughly €1.70 to €8.20 in local shops, depending on size.

Large-leaved lime

Tilia platyphyllos

Large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €1.70.

Illustration of Large-leaved lime — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Large-leaved lime is a long-lived shade tree that grows very big and opens its strongly scented, bee-magnet flowers in early June, the first of the limes. It looks its best in fresh, fertile, deep soil in a large garden or park and is too big for a small plot. It is the most demanding of the limes: it copes with hot, dry sites and with cramped, paved planting spots less well than silver lime or small-leaved lime.

Watch out for

In Central Europe this is a tree of cooler, more humid hill and mountain woods, so in hot, droughty lowland summers its leaves scorch, brown and fall early, and spider mites build up on it. For a dry, warm site silver lime is a better choice. Honeydew from lime aphids makes cars, paving and furniture underneath sticky, and sooty mould grows on the leaves; this species is less aphid-ridden than common lime but not free of it. It throws many shoots from the base of the trunk, which need removing every year. It dislikes paving, compacted soil and de-icing salt.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 7 m × 4 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–July, yellow

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	7 m × 4 m
Ultimate size	20–40 m × 9–25 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–July, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 4 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	Honeydew
Planting distance	1000 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €1.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-60 cm	approx. €4.90
50-70 cm	approx. €7.90
80-100 cm	approx. €2.20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants that give shade Fragrant plants

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Large-leaved lime vs Silver lime Large-leaved lime vs Small-leaved lime

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