Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

tilia lime tree

If you’re searching for a stunning deciduous tree with year-round appeal, the tilia lime tree is a top contender for New Zealand gardens and landscapes. Renowned for its elegant form and fragrant summer blooms, the tilia lime tree is not only an ornamental delight but also a haven for pollinators, offering nectar-rich blossoms for bees and butterflies. With its vibrant foliage, classic silhouette, and tolerance for urban conditions, the tilia lime tree suits everything from avenue plantings to private gardens. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned planter, this versatile species adapts beautifully to our temperate climate, making it a favourite among NZ homeowners and landscapers.

tilia-cordata-1

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.

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.

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
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
A 'Tahitian' Lime tree with green fruit and lush, green foliage.
Lime Tahitian

The 'Tahitian' Lime is a popular and quick-growing shrub that bears masses of medium-sized fruit that are juicy, strongly scented, and have that...

From$29.95
tilia-europaea-3
Tilia europaea

Tilia europaea (Linden Tree) is a majestic deciduous shade tree admired for its broad canopy, heart shaped green leaves, fragrant summer flowers, and...

From$383.29
acer-ukon-
Acer palmatum Ukon

Acer palmatum 'Ukon' is a distinctive Japanese Maple admired for its unusual lime green foliage that brings fresh colour to the garden. New leaves...

From$349.95
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' plants with lush, green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a bright and eye catching honeysuckle valued for its vivid lime foliage and compact, tidy habit. This hardy shrub...

From$16.50
acer-fjellheim-4
Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

From$399.95
Limequat fruit cut in half on a bench.
Limequat

The Limequat is a unique citrus hybrid that combines the tangy flavour of a lime with the cold-hardiness of a kumquat. It’s ideal for Kiwi gardeners...

From$49.95
Santolina 'Lime Fizz' green-yellow shrub growing in a basket.
Santolina 'Lime Fizz'

Santolina 'Lime Fizz' is a vibrant evergreen shrublet admired for its bright lime green foliage and compact, mounding form. This hardy Mediterranean...

From$23.39
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
'Bearss' Lime green fruit.
Lime Bearss

The 'Bearss' Lime, also known as Persian or Tahitian lime, is a vigorous, nearly thornless citrus tree that thrives in New Zealand’s warmer regions...

From$229.95
cordyline-lime-fountain-3
Cordyline Lime Fountain

Cordyline 'Lime Foutain' is a fresh and vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bright lime green foliage and graceful fountain like form. The...

From$136.04
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$19.95
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$8.21
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) fruit with yellow flesh cut in half.
Citrus australasica

Citrus australasica, commonly known as the Finger Lime or Caviar Lime, is an evergreen shrub grown for its unusual fruit, which is regarded as a food...

From$29.95
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
'Kaffir' Lime fruit with a wrinkly, green skin.
Lime Kaffir (Makrut Lime)

The 'Kaffir' Lime is a quick-growing and compact shrub that produces unusual-looking fruit. The fruit is green, warty, and inedible due to the thick...

From$29.95
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$557.95
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
acer-princeton-gold-
Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

From$64.67
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$13.40
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll...

From$9.28
Tilia cordata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Lime, and Limequat, or related Categories - Lime Trees, Limequat Trees, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search tilia lime tree

What is a tilia lime tree?

The tilia lime tree belongs to the Tilia genus, commonly known as lime or linden trees. Despite the name, these aren't fruit-bearing citrus trees, but rather distinctive shade trees famed for their heart-shaped leaves, clusters of pale yellow flowers, and attractive bark. The tilia lime tree thrives in New Zealand, where its lush canopy and straight trunk bring structure and beauty to parks, streets, and spacious gardens.

Benefits and uses of tilia lime tree

The tilia lime tree is a superb shade tree, providing shelter throughout summer when its dense leaves create a cool oasis beneath. Its masses of fragrant, creamy flowers appear in early to mid-summer, attracting bees and supporting local pollinators—ideal for gardeners focused on biodiversity. The leaves turn golden in autumn, offering seasonal colour. Tilia lime trees are valued for their low-maintenance nature and resistance to many urban environmental stresses, making them perfect for driveway borders or as feature specimens. The timber is sometimes used in carving, while dried flowers have a history in herbal remedies.

Growing tilia lime trees in New Zealand

Tilia lime trees flourish in well-drained, fertile soil and appreciate a sunny position, though they’ll tolerate light shade. Regular watering and the occasional mulch will encourage healthy growth. Once established, the tilia lime tree is sturdy and relatively drought-tolerant. Pruning is minimal, but shaping young trees helps ensure strong form. For urban gardens, tilia lime trees are pollution-resilient and cope with compacted soils, offering a graceful alternative to more traditional street trees.

Popular varieties of tilia lime tree

Several tilia lime trees are widely cultivated in New Zealand, each with unique features. Explore classic options, such as:

Planting and care tips

To get the best from your tilia lime tree, plant in spring or autumn, water deeply during the first growing season, and apply mulch to conserve moisture. Feed with a balanced fertiliser each spring to promote lush foliage and abundant blooms. Consider integrating other shade-tolerant plants beneath the canopy, or use your tilia lime tree as a stately garden centrepiece.

Explore our full range of Tilia lime trees to find the perfect match for your landscape, and enjoy lasting beauty as well as robust ecological benefits.


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.

Photinia 'Red Robin' and Rhododendron 'Pawhuska' are beloved staples, but Brunfelsia 'White Caps', Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold', and Hibiscus 'Red Heart' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews