Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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linden lime tree

The linden lime tree, also known as the Tilia, is a beloved shade tree found throughout New Zealand’s gardens and streetscapes. Recognised for its heart-shaped leaves, fragrant summer flowers, and stately silhouette, the linden lime tree brings classic elegance and nature-friendly benefits to any landscape. Whether you’re planning a formal avenue, welcoming pollinators, or seeking a robust specimen for your home garden, the linden lime tree promises year-round interest and beauty. Discover why this timeless tree deserves a place in your planting scheme, and explore the many Linden varieties available.

Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in spring with a fresh, lime-green colour, then develop golden tones in autumn before falling. The branching habit is uniform which gives it a tidy and structured appearance overall as it grows to 10 m tall and 5 m wide. Tilia cordata is commonly grown as a specimen, used for avenue plantings, or included in a mixed planting in a larger garden.

Buy Tilia cordata

From $432.79

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 5.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Garden uses: Avenues

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime)

Tilia platyphyllos, commonly known as Large-Leaved Linden, is a stately deciduous tree admired for its broad, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant summer flowers. In New Zealand, it’s valued for its graceful form, dense foliage, and ability to provide excellent shade. Reaching 20–30 m tall, it suits parks, extensive gardens, and avenue plantings. The pale-yellow flowers attract bees, making it a favourite for pollinator-friendly landscapes. It thrives in deep, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Buy Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime)

From $432.79

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 20.00 m

Spread: 10.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Garden uses: Parks, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese

Why Choose a linden lime tree?

Linden lime trees are renowned for their lush, dense foliage, which provides cool, dappled shade in warm months. Their fragrant blossoms attract bees and butterflies, making them a perfect choice for anyone keen to support local pollinators. These trees are also known for their resilience; they tolerate urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soil, while thriving in the fertile environments of New Zealand gardens.

The linden lime tree is admired for its graceful form—tall, upright trunks with a broad, symmetrical canopy. In autumn, leaves turn a glowing yellow, creating a striking seasonal display. Their manageable size and adaptability make them ideal for parks, avenues, and gardens large or small.

Popular Linden Varieties in New Zealand

There are several types of linden lime tree, each offering unique characteristics for gardeners and landscapers.

Tilia amurensis (Linden Tree): Valued for its cold tolerance and compact growth, Tilia amurensis is a great option for colder regions of New Zealand. Its hardy nature and subtle floral scent make it a favourite for urban plantings.
Tilia cordata: Known as the small-leaved lime, Tilia cordata is particularly prized for its delicate foliage and sweet, honey-scented flowers. It’s an excellent choice for gardens where a lighter, airy canopy is desired.
Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime): Larger leaves and vigorous growth define this variety, offering more shade and dramatic foliage. Large-leaved lime trees suit spaces where bold structure is needed.
Tilia tomentosa Orbicularis (Linden Trees): Noted for silver-hued leaves and exceptional drought resistance, Tilia tomentosa is ideal for sites with dry summers or sandy soil.
Tilia europaea: The classic European linden, Tilia europaea, is a popular species for avenues and public parks, recognised for its stately form and autumn colour.

Growing and Caring for Linden Lime Trees

Plant your linden lime tree in a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. These trees are forgiving, but consistent watering and occasional feeding will help young trees establish more rapidly. Regular pruning in late winter or early spring will encourage even growth and maintain their attractive shape. Mature trees need little attention beyond the removal of dead or crowded branches.

The Linden Lime Tree in Landscape Design

Linden lime trees lend themselves perfectly to formal plantings, creating grand allées or shaded pathways. Their uniform habit and tolerance of pruning make them suitable for hedging and feature planting. They also provide habitat for beneficial insects and offer a pleasant environment for outdoor relaxation.

Explore Linden Lime Trees

Bring lasting beauty and eco-friendly benefits to your garden with a linden lime tree. Visit our nursery to browse our range of linden species, including Tilia amurensis (Linden Tree), Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime), Tilia tomentosa Orbicularis (Linden Trees), and Tilia europaea. Whether you’re seeking shade, pollinator-friendly flowers, or architectural form, the linden lime tree is a timeless addition to any New Zealand landscape.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.