As autumn approaches, leaves remain green longer than many other trees, continuing to produce lush shade even in the cooler months. Petite round seeds are produced in autumn along with intense gold-green foliage atop this graceful, pyramidal shaped plant. Seeds last through much of winter. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 7. When looking for a tree that will fill out a garden hedge and require absolutely no pruning throughout the seasons, look no further than little leaf linden.
Light
Little leaf linden thrives in full sun, but it will grow in part shade where it can receive direct sunlight for two to six hours of the day.
Soil
Little leaf linden thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter mixed in. A late winter/early spring feeding supports growth and keeps insects at bay.
Water
Water this drought-tolerant tree a medium amount.
Pruning
While this linden requires no pruning, it’s easily shorn into a hedge.
Planting in Containers
This adaptable linden species is also easy to train for bonsai.
Pests and Diseases to Consider
Fortunately, this low-maintenance tree presents no serious insect or disease problems. Verticillium wilt is infrequent, though when this wilt does happen it can be fatal. Other diseases to keep an eye out for are powdery mildew, leaf spots and blight, canker, as well as Anthracnose (Gnomonia tilia) and Phytophthora spp. In hot, dry periods spider mites (Tetranychidae family) may appear. Borers, scale, leaf miner, lace bugs, caterpillars, aphids (Aphididae family), gall mites, gyspy moth (Lymantria dispar), horse chestnut scale (Pulvinaria regalis), sawflies (suborder Symphyta), and Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are other possible pests that may feed on the Little Leaf Linden.
