Tilia oliveri

Tilia oliveri, also known as the Chinese White Lime, was discovered by Augustine Henry in 1888, 14 years after the  establishment of Hillier Nurseries. It hails from Central China and was introduced to the UK by Ernest Wilson, 12 years later. It is closely related to Tilia tomentosa, similar in being free from aphids, but distinguished by its smooth shoots.

This tree is a medium to large-size specimen with glabrous roots that tend to hang down at their ends in older trees. The trunk has an appealing silver-grey colour and a smooth texture. Leaves are broadly ovate or rounded, finely toothed, dark green on the upper surface, and a striking silver-white underside, creating a beautiful display when they sway in the breeze. In mid-summer, the tree produces abundant sweetly-scented white flowers that are attractive to insects. Notably, these flowers are free from aphids and do not result in honeydew.