Tilia cordata 'Greenspire' is a deciduous shade tree grown for its narrow, upright pyramidal crown and strong central leader. The small heart shaped leaves are dark green above and paler beneath, layering into a dense canopy. Fragrant cream flowers hang in clusters through summer and draw bees in numbers.
Plant it in full sun to light shade in deep, free draining soil. Growth is moderate to fast at roughly 40 to 70 centimetres a year. It suits cool temperate and temperate climates through Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and the southern tablelands, handles frost without trouble, and copes with compacted urban soil and air pollution.
At 10 to 15 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres wide it holds a tight footprint, which is why councils and developers use it for street planting, formal avenues and car park shade. The uniform habit means a row grows in evenly, so a specified avenue still reads as one clean line in twenty years.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Greenspire Linden
How big does Greenspire Linden grow?
Mature height is 10 to 15 metres with a spread of 4 to 6 metres. The crown stays narrow and pyramidal for the first fifteen or twenty years, then broadens a little with age. That narrow footprint is the reason it is chosen for streets and driveways where a wider linden would crowd the space.
How fast does Greenspire Linden grow?
Expect roughly 40 to 70 centimetres a year, which is moderate to fast for a shade tree. Growth is quickest in deep soil with summer water, and slows on compacted or shallow ground. An advanced tree planted from a 200 or 400 litre container gives useful canopy within a couple of seasons rather than a decade.
Is Greenspire Linden evergreen or deciduous?
It is fully deciduous. The leaves colour a clean yellow and drop through autumn, leaving a clear branch structure over winter, then flush again in spring. That habit is useful in streetscapes and courtyards where winter sun matters, since the bare canopy lets light onto buildings and paving from May through to September.
When does Greenspire Linden flower?
Small cream flowers hang in clusters through summer, generally December into January depending on the district. They are fragrant enough to notice from several metres away, and bees work them heavily while they last. Flowering is followed by small round nutlets that hang on into autumn and cause no real litter problem underfoot.
How far apart should I plant Greenspire Linden?
For avenue planting, space trees 3 metres apart for an even line. As a feature tree allow 3 to 4 metres so the canopy can develop fully. Used for screening, plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 1.5 to 2 metres apart if you want a clipped or pleached line.
Is Greenspire Linden frost tolerant?
Yes. This is a cold climate species that handles hard frost without damage, including the frosts of Canberra, Ballarat and the New South Wales tablelands. Cold winters actually sharpen the autumn colour. The tree is less comfortable in humid subtropical conditions, so it is a better choice for southern and highland gardens.
How do I care for a Greenspire Linden?
Water deeply through the first two summers and mulch to keep the root zone cool. Prune in late winter while the tree is bare, removing crossing wood and lifting the lower limbs to the clearance you want. Feed once in early spring with a balanced fertiliser. Aphids may cause sticky leaves in warm weather without lasting harm.