A promising selection of lime that has recently been introduced is Tilia mongolica ‘Buda’. It is a relatively small tree, with a graceful form, and suitable for a wide range of planting sites. This variety also has strikingly abundant blossom, favoured by many insects. The pleasant sweet scent of the flowers in June cheerfully heralds the summer.
With its vine leaf-like foliage Tilia mongolica is an easily identifiable tree with a native range extending from China and Mongolia to North Korea. In these areas, it is found growing up to an altitude of 2,000 metres where it develops a wild and rugged growth habit. It is a tough tree and displays great vigour and resilience. All these good characteristics are contained in the cultivar ‘Buda’ which was selected by the University of Budapest, Hungary. What sets it apart is its graceful growth habit since ‘Buda’ displays attractive pendulous branches and the entire tree has a neat shape, up to a maximum height of 15 metres. Thanks to its egg-shaped crown and semi-open crown structure, it is suitable for a range of planting sites.
Application and use
Due to its origin, it is resilient against diseases and pests, meaning lice are not a problem and it is, therefore, not affected by sticky honeydew. In addition, this tree is tolerant of many different soil types. These characteristics make Tilia mongolica ‘Buda’ a suitable option in a wide range of urban sites. Therefore, the tree is increasingly being used in planting schemes, for example as an avenue tree in street settings and on squares. With its strikingly persistent bright yellow autumn colour, we also regularly see it planted in parks, often as a multi-stem. The many bumblebees and bees gathering nectar and pollen from this tree understandably also make it a good choice for designs where biodiversity plays a key role. The tree produces an abundant mass of creamy white flowers over several weeks in June when it gives off a delightful sweet honey aroma.
Site and care
Limes naturally have a crown form that is taller than wide, which is why it has traditionally been used as a city tree. Tilia mongolica ‘Buda’ is also drought tolerant and can cope well in both sun and shade, which makes it ideal for urban planting alongside high-rise buildings. This is an environment where buildings cast heavy shade and this often has an impact on plants.
Tilia mongolica ‘Buda’ is a striking and useful tree which adds great value to urban and landscape plantings, both in terms of form and from an ecological standpoint. With its small, deeply lobed leaves, it is an easily identifiable lime that changes to bright yellow in autumn. Thanks to its compact and graceful form and its adaptability to different soil conditions, it is an excellent choice for planting schemes. Tilia mongolica ‘Buda’ brings variety to public spaces.
