tree

Sterling Silver Linden

Tilia tomentosa 'Sterling Silver'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Southeastern Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Tilia tomentosa, the silver linden, is a large deciduous tree from Europe and Asia, known for its dense, pyramidal to oval crown and leaves that are green above and silvery-white below. 'Sterling' (or Sterling Silver®) is a popular cultivar selected for its excellent symmetrical, broadly pyramidal form and its resistance to Japanese beetles, which often plague other linden species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Sterling Silver® linden is a magnificent shade tree. Its most striking feature is the foliage, which is dark green on top and brilliant silver beneath, creating a shimmering effect in the wind. The dense, pyramidal canopy provides a formal, stately appearance.

It is an excellent choice for a large shade tree for lawns, parks, and commercial landscapes. Its tolerance of urban conditions and uniform growth habit make it a reliable and beautiful street tree.

The fragrant, pale yellow flowers that appear in early summer are a major nectar source for bees and other pollinators. Honey made from linden flowers is highly prized. The dense canopy also provides nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so the root flare is at ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, tamping lightly.
Water deeply and thoroughly after planting.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Its resistance to Japanese beetles makes it a superior choice over other lindens in areas where this pest is prevalent.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Prune when young to develop a good branching structure.
Provide ample space for its large mature size.
Monitor for aphids, although they are less of a problem than on other lindens.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or compacted soils.
Avoid planting where the falling flowers and aphid honeydew could be a nuisance on cars or patios.
Don't over-fertilize, which can lead to weak growth.
Avoid major pruning on mature trees; only remove dead or hazardous limbs.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately and uniform street treeMagnificent large-scale shade treeFormal specimen for parks and campuses

Companion Plants

Acer rubrum 'October Glory' Quercus rubra Fagus grandifolia Hosta plantaginea Vinca minor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sterling Silver Linden questions

What zones can Sterling Silver Linden grow in?

Sterling Silver Linden is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sterling Silver Linden deer resistant?

Yes — Sterling Silver Linden is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sterling Silver Linden bloom?

Sterling Silver 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 Sterling Silver Linden need full sun?

Sterling Silver Linden does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Sterling Silver Linden drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sterling Silver Linden handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.