Species

Tilia cordataLittleleaf Linden

2 other cultivars

tree RHS Award

Greenspire Linden

Tilia cordata 'Pni 6025'

The Story

Plant Bio

Tilia cordata, the Littleleaf Linden, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to Europe, known for its dense, pyramidal to rounded crown and heart-shaped leaves. It is highly valued for its fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom in early summer.

Greenspire® ('PNI 6025') is a very popular cultivar selected for its exceptionally straight trunk, strong central leader, and symmetrical, narrow pyramidal form. These traits make it a uniform and reliable choice for formal plantings and street tree use.

Uses & Benefits:

Greenspire® Linden is the quintessential formal shade tree. Its dense, dark green foliage and perfectly symmetrical pyramidal shape create a neat, stately appearance. The fragrant summer flowers are a delightful, though brief, feature, and the leaves turn a clear yellow in the fall.

Its predictable, uniform growth and tolerance of urban conditions have made it one of the most widely planted street trees in North America. It provides excellent, dense shade and can be pruned to create formal allées or pleached hedges.

The fragrant flowers are a massive draw for bees and other pollinators. Linden honey is a prized gourmet product in Europe. The dense canopy can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesTilia cordataLittleleaf Linden

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

100+ years

Native To

Europe (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with deep, moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so the root flare is level with the ground.
Backfill with the original soil, tamping lightly to remove air pockets.
Water deeply and consistently for the first growing season.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Be prepared for aphids and the resulting sticky honeydew, especially if planting near cars, patios, or walkways.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during establishment and in periods of drought.
Provide ample space for root and canopy development.
Prune as needed in winter to maintain a clear trunk for pedestrian or vehicle clearance.
Monitor for pests, as lindens are susceptible to several.

Don't

Don't plant in compacted or poorly drained soils.
Avoid planting where its aphid honeydew will be a major nuisance.
Don't plant in hot, dry, restricted root zones.
Avoid wounding the bark, which can be susceptible to cankers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic formal street or avenue treeStately specimen for medium to large lawnsProvides dense, uniform shade

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Sum and Substance'Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Buxus 'Green Velvet'Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Greenspire Linden questions

What zones can Greenspire Linden grow in?

Greenspire Linden is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Greenspire Linden deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Greenspire Linden, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Greenspire Linden bloom?

Greenspire Linden typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Greenspire Linden need full sun?

Greenspire Linden does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.