Tilia cordata Monto - Lime

The Tilia cordata 'Monto' is a dwarf variety of the Small-Leaved Lime. It forms a small deciduous tree that does not exceed 3 m (10ft) in height at maturity with a rounded crown of the same diameter. Its leaves, much smaller than those of the species, are heart-shaped at the base and acuminate at the top, changing from light green to yellow in autumn. This miniature cultivar is suitable for small gardens and even container planting. It is not demanding in terms of soil as long as it remains moist and tolerates sea spray and urban pollution.

The Tilia cordata (synonym Tilia parviflora) belongs to the Tiliaceae family and is native to European forests. It is native to France, with this species being common in the east and in the Pyrenees. It is a deciduous species that prefers partial shade and has a large canopy, capable of reaching over 30 m (98ft) in height and is commonly found in mountain regions, growing up to 1500 m (4921ft) in altitude, mostly on cool, deep, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral soil. It has excellent longevity.

The 'Monto' cultivar is a Dutch creation. The growth of this tree is moderate, reaching 3 m (10ft) in all directions at the age of 10-12 years. Its bark, when mature, is dark brown and channelled, while the smooth young branches are also dark brown. Its entire alternate leaves are tiny, measuring 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in length. They are rounded, heart-shaped at the base, acuminate at the tip, and finely dentate along the edges. The lamina is a tender green. The leaves turn golden yellow in autumn and fall quite early in the season. The 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 to the branches by long petioles. Remarkably fragrant, they are a delight for bees. They are followed by small, rounded, grey fruits with a smooth surface attached to a wing called a samara.

The 'Monto' Lime tree is an attractive small tree wherever space is limited: in front of a house, in a courtyard, on a rooftop terrace, and even in a container. It is easy to grow.. Plant it as a solitary tree in a very small garden. Its fragrant flowering is melliferous. In the ground, under its small crown, plant flowering perennials and ground covers give it a rustic look. Consider Epimediums, Geranium nodosum, Vinca minor, and Ivy, which can tolerate dry shade.