How big does Small-leaved lime grow?

About 8 m × 6 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 m × 10–15 m.

What soil does Small-leaved lime grow in?

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

Is Small-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 Small-leaved lime be planted?

Plant it at least 5.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Small-leaved lime flower?

Flowering: June–July, yellow, white.

How much water does Small-leaved lime need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Small-leaved lime cost?

It sells for roughly €2.20 to €250 in local shops, depending on size.

Small-leaved lime

Tilia cordata

Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) is a large tree that reaches 8 m × 6 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €2.20.

Illustration of Small-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

A long-lived native shade tree with heart-shaped leaves that grows large. Its strongly scented flowers open in late June and early July and are covered in bees, and the foliage turns yellow in autumn. Expect about 7 to 8 metres in height and 5 to 6 metres in width after ten years and 20 to 25 metres in the long run, so it belongs in a spacious garden only. Do not plant it over a terrace, parking space or garden furniture, because sticky honeydew from aphids drips from the crown, and it keeps sending up shoots from the base that are best cut away every year.

Watch out for

Aphids live on the foliage in summer and their honeydew drips as a sticky film on everything under the tree (cars, paving, garden furniture), followed by black sooty mould. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe, especially in paved, heat-reflecting settings, spider mites turn the foliage brown and cause early leaf drop, and leaf margins may scorch. Leaf spots, powdery mildew and, rarely, fatal verticillium wilt can occur. Young trees need watering in dry spells.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 8 m × 6 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–July, yellow, white

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	8 m × 6 m
Ultimate size	15–30 m × 10–15 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–July, yellow, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 5.5 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 €2.20

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
80-100 cm	approx. €2.20
size not stated	approx. €250

Frequently asked questions

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

Appears in these lists

Plants that give shade Fragrant plants Plants with autumn colour Large trees with autumn colour

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

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