tree RHS Award

Silver Linden

Tilia tomentosa

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived tree

Native To

Southeastern Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Flowers can be narcotic to some bee species

The Story

Plant Bio

Tilia tomentosa is a large, stately deciduous tree with a broad, pyramidal crown, known for its handsome foliage and fragrant summer flowers. The leaves are its most distinctive feature: dark green on top with a dense, silvery-white felt on the undersides, creating a striking shimmering effect in the wind. It is also notably resistant to the Japanese beetle.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Silver Linden is a magnificent ornamental tree, valued for its dense, pyramidal form and particularly for its bicolored leaves that flash silver in the wind. The intensely fragrant flowers in early summer are a delightful bonus, perfuming the air around the tree.

It is an excellent shade tree for large landscapes, providing deep, cooling shade. Its tolerance of a wide range of soils, drought, and urban conditions makes it a reliable choice for parks, campuses, and as a street tree.

The flowers are a major nectar source for honeybees and other pollinators, producing a prized type of honey. However, the nectar contains mannose, which can be toxic to some bumblebee species if other food sources are unavailable, causing a phenomenon sometimes called 'bee drop'.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with ample space to grow.
This tree prefers moist, fertile, well-drained loams.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch.

Pro Tip

Water deeply and regularly for the first two years after planting to establish a deep root system, ensuring future drought tolerance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide plenty of room for its large mature size.
Prune young trees to develop a strong central leader.
Water during prolonged periods of drought, even when established.
Enjoy the fragrant flowers in early summer.

Don't

Don't plant in a small yard or under power lines.
Avoid planting in compacted or poorly drained soils.
Do not over-fertilize; it is generally not needed.
Avoid wounding the trunk with lawn equipment.

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

Majestic shade tree for large lawns and parksHandsome and durable street treeStunning specimen tree with unique foliage

Companion Plants

Hosta Geranium macrorrhizum Hakonechloa macra Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' Hydrangea arborescens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Linden questions

What zones can Silver Linden grow in?

Silver 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 Silver Linden deer resistant?

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

When does Silver Linden bloom?

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 Silver Linden need full sun?

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

Is Silver Linden drought tolerant?

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