Tilia Henryk Eder - Lime

The Tilia platyphyllos x euchlora 'Henryk Eder' is a hybrid originating from Poland, where it was selected for its rather fantastic ornamental qualities. It forms a compact bush rather than a tall tree, reaching a maximum height of less than 3m (10ft). Its delicate foliage is deeply incised, giving the plant a unique visual aspect. The vegetation, a medium green, turns chartreuse green in autumn, enhancing the ornamental appeal of this extraordinary Lime tree. Slow-growing and cold-resistant, it thrives in ordinary soil that remains moist.

In our climate, Lime trees are the best-known genus of the Tiliaceae family, from which it gets its name. As botanical classification constantly evolves, this plant family is now integrated into the Malvaceae family, alongside Hibiscus, Mallow, and other Lavateras. 

The Crimean Lime, also known as Tilia x euchlora, is a hybrid of German origin resulting from the cross-breeding of T. cordata and T. dasystyla around 1860. It is a slow-growing tree that can grow up to 35m in height and 22m in width under favourable conditions. This tree is not found in the wild, only in cultivation, where it typically grows to a height of 15 to 20m and a width of 12 to 14m.

'Henryk Eder' is a Polish variety resulting from the cross-breeding of these two species and was named in honour of one of the directors of the Rogów Arboretum in central Poland. Under his direction, from 1951 to 1966, the arboretum, initially covering an area of 61 hectares, was modernised and equipped with a propagation greenhouse, which helped enrich the plant collections. 

It's incredible how genetics works, as the progeny of two large trees can turn into a bush. The Tilia platyphyllos x euchlora 'Henryk Eder' is a small and bushy plant that bears no resemblance to its parents. It grows slowly, at a rate of around twenty centimetres per year. After approximately 20 years of cultivation, this dwarf Lime tree reaches a height of about 1.80m (6ft) and a width of 1.20m. At full maturity, it usually does not exceed 3m (10ft) in height. It is, therefore, a rarity for a very patient enthusiast! 

Initially columnar, gradually spreading, it has well-branched vegetation and does not form a distinct trunk. The rather slender branches are green at first and progressively turn grey-brown as they harden. The leaves are deeply incised into lobes, themselves further divided, resembling more those of the Alnus glutinosa Imperialis than the traditional heart-shaped leaves of our traditional avenue Lime tree. The lobes themselves, being sub-lobed, tend to curl, further confusing the identification of this plant! 

This plant is a unique botanical wonder with a beautiful appearance, which enthusiasts of unusual plants in botanical gardens adore. The plant has delicate, airy foliage that gradually changes colour from green to yellow, ending in a yellow-to-chartreuse green hue in the fall. This marks the end of the growing season and is a sight to behold.

The plant is easy to grow in most ordinary soils but does not tolerate extremes such as too much chalky or acidic soil or soil that is too dry or wet. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C (1°F).

The Tilia platyphyllos x euchlora 'Henryk Eder' will mainly interest enthusiasts of curiosities who are willing to wait long enough to achieve a real visual effect. Connoisseurs can create contrasts of shapes and colours by planting nearby plants such as the Broussonetia papyrifera Golden Shadow. This unusual Paper Mulberry tree adorns itself with curious large leaves of a golden yellow in spring. The Acer conspicuum Red Flamingo is another rare and highly sought-after small tree. The Maple combines the appeal of beautifully cut and multicoloured foliage, mixing shades of green, creamy white, and salmon pink with stunning coral-red branches and magnificent "snakeskin" bark. For a striking and unique display, add a Clerodendrum trichotomum; its large leaves will contrast nicely with the laciniate leaves of the Lime tree and provide a beautiful backdrop for its fragrant white flowers. Your visitors will be amazed by the dark blue pearl fruit within a red star. Its unique appearance is sure to impress.