Tilia henryana | Henry's Lime - Bushy - Height 260-280cm - 130lt

Tilia henryana, commonly known as Henry’s lime, is an elegant and distinctive deciduous tree valued for its refined form, ornamental foliage, and late-season flowers. Native to central China, it was introduced to Britain in the late nineteenth century and has since become a prized specimen in gardens, arboreta, and parkland where space allows.

The most striking feature of Tilia henryana is its leaves. They are heart-shaped and mid to dark green, with sharply serrated margins that are noticeably bristle-tipped, giving the foliage a finely textured and slightly spiky appearance. This characteristic sets it apart from other limes and adds visual interest throughout the growing season. In autumn, the leaves turn an attractive yellow, providing a soft seasonal display before leaf fall.

The tree typically develops a broadly conical to rounded crown and can reach heights of 10–15 metres in cultivation in the UK, often smaller than many other Tilia species. Its bark is smooth and grey when young, becoming lightly fissured with age. The overall habit is neat and balanced, making it suitable as a specimen tree rather than for formal avenues.

Flowering occurs in late summer, usually in August, later than most other limes. The small, creamy-white flowers are borne in loose clusters accompanied by pale green bracts. They are lightly fragrant and extremely attractive to bees and other pollinators, extending the nectar season well into the summer. Following flowering, small, rounded nutlets may form.

Tilia henryana prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils and grows best in full sun or light shade. It is hardy in most parts of the UK and relatively free from serious pests or diseases. Its combination of unusual foliage, manageable size, and late flowering makes it an excellent choice for ornamental planting and biodiversity-friendly landscapes.