Tilia cordata Simone - Small-leaved Lime

Tilia cordata 'Simone' is a dwarf variety of the Small-leaved Lime tree, which does not exceed 5m in height at maturity. It exhibits all the characteristics of the species in a very reduced size: heart-shaped leaves, abundant and fragrant flowering, followed by fruiting, and autumn colouration. The dark green leaves, do not exceed 4 to 6 cm in diameter, and the young shoots are copper brown. It forms a small tree with a short trunk and a regular spherical crown. This miniature cultivar is suitable for small gardens. It is not demanding in terms of soil as long as it remains moist, and it tolerates both sea spray and urban pollution.

Tilia cordata (synonym Tilia parviflora) belongs to the Tiliaceae family and is native to European forests. It is a deciduous species that thrives in semi-shade and has a large canopy, capable of reaching over 30m in height. It is found in hilly and mountain zones, growing up to 1500m altitude, usually on moist, deep, fertile, acidic to neutral soil. Its longevity is excellent.

The 'Simone' cultivar was obtained in 1994 at the Dutch nursery of A. van Nijnatten. The growth of this tree is slow, reaching a height of 4 to 6m at maturity with a crown diameter of 4m. It forms a small globular tree with a short trunk, a miniature version of the Small-leaved Lime. Its bark, when mature, is dark brown and channelled. Its entire, alternate leaves are particularly small, measuring 3 to 6cm in length. They are dark green, rounded, heart-shaped at the base, and pointed at the tip, finely toothed at the edges. The leaves turn golden yellow in autumn and fall quite early in the season. Flowering takes place in early summer, in June-July. Numerous small, white-yellowish flowers are gathered in pendulous corymbs, in groups of 15 to 20, and attached by long petioles to the branches. They are remarkably fragrant and loved by bees. They are followed by small, round, grey and smooth fruits attached to a wing called a samara.

The 'Simone' Lime tree is an interesting small tree wherever space is limited: in front of a house, in a courtyard, on a rooftop terrace, and even in a pot. It is easy to grow in many regions. It is also appreciated for its resistance to diseases and unfavourable environmental conditions. Plant it as a single tree in a tiny garden. Its fragrant early summer flowering is nectar-rich. In the ground, under its small canopy, plant flowering perennials and ground covers to give it a rustic look. Consider Epimediums, Geranium nodosum, Vinca minor, and Ivy, which tolerate dry shade.