Have had ours pruned several times and hope to enjoy it for many more years before it outgrows it’s prized position in our yard. I actually had no idea how big they get or how long they live, and now know it probably is too close to the house, but, oh well, as the kids say. So difficult to describe the scent it is just a light clean fragrance and even enjoyed by a friend who can’t tolerate perfume. We planted one on the southeast side of our front yard and it is about twenty five feet tall now it provides the best shade and guests will often look around to try and identify the source of the heavenly aroma. Although it wasn’t in bloom, I admired the shape, the bark, and the unusual heart-shaped leaves. I remember seeing one at the Philadelphia Zoo (where trees were labeled) about twenty five years ago. Love your discussion about this favorite tree of mine. Intoxicating, yes?ĭon’t miss anything at A Garden for the House… sign up for Kevin’s weekly newsletter. In the comments, please let me know if you have ever smelled the blossoms of the Linden tree. Despite the nickname, its leaves are no bigger than other lindens, but its stems are covered in long hairs. You will see this imposing, “Bigleaf Linden” lining formal boulevards and grand allees throughout Europe. Mine flourishes in zone 5-b, although the “authorities” say it is hardy in zones 6-9. Leaves are heart-shaped with silvery undersides, giving the tree the common name “Silver Linden.” Grows 80-100 feet tall, and 40 feet wide. Tilia tomentosa This variety resides on my property. That is, until it achieves its potential 30-50 feet height, and 20-30 foot width. This one will tolerate a wide range of soils, and even winter salt, making it ideal for sidewalk planting. Not for a small suburban yard, but delightful in a park (or a park-size yard), this “Basswood” matures at 60-80 feet, with a 20-40 foot spread in deep, fertile, moist soil. The perfume will enchant you, and its shade, on a hot summer afternoon, will soothe you. If you already have a mature Tilia on your property, or one in a public park near you, by all means cherish it. It was worth buying this old house ( here’s a video tour!) just to inherit the tree. It stands about 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide. This means mine (above, tree with silver-toned leaves) is probably a youngster of about 100 years old. I’ve read that Lindens can live for 1000 years. The bees obviously love the fragrance as much as I do, for the tree buzzes with life throughout its bloom period. On a warm, still day, it envelopes all four acres here. The scent - a blend of honey and lemon peel - is far-reaching. They announce their presence by exhaling the sweetest, most powerful perfume known to the plant kingdom. From late June through mid-July, this Tilia dangles creamy-yellow, star-shaped flowers beneath its pale-green branches. I wish you could visit me when my Linden tree is in bloom.

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