Common Lime

A grand, long-lived deciduous tree, the common lime is a familiar sight in avenues and parklands across the UK. It is a natural hybrid known for its large, heart-shaped, bright green leaves that offer dense shade. Clusters of fragrant, yellowish-white flowers hang beneath the leaves in early summer, attracting bees. These are followed by small, round fruits. Extremely hardy and tolerant of urban pollution, it thrives in most well-drained, fertile soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its imposing size makes it suitable for large spaces; it responds well to pollarding.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.