Tilia is a genus of over 20 species of deciduous trees occurring in woodland in Europe, Asia and North America. They have ovate to rounded alternate leaves which are minutely toothed. Specimens have smooth, silvery grey bark which becomes fissured with age. Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime) is the Tilia species commonly seen grown as bonsai, there is no reason however why other smaller leaved Tilia species such as Tilia japonica or Tilia x europaea cannot be used.
Tilia cordata, like many of the Tilia species, carries yellowish-white, scented, hermaphrodite flowers in June/July followed by dry, nut-like fruits each of which has a leaflet attached enabling seed to be dispersed on the wind.

Tilia platiphyllum from Walter Pall's gallery

BONSAI CULTIVATION NOTES

Position Full sun or shade. Protect from temperatures below -10°C.

Feeding Every two weeks during the growing season.

Repotting Every two years in Spring as buds extend, use a basic soil mix.

Pruning Hard prune during late Winter or early Spring. During the growing season trim back to shape continually, shoots can regrow within 3 or 4 weeks of each pruning. With sufficient feeding, branches can be regrown 3-5 times in a year. Stop pruning at the end of August to allow new shoots enough time to harden up for winter. Leaf-cutting can be carried out in May or June which will improve branching further and reduce leaf-size.
Wiring is best carried out during the growing season though care should be taken as the bark is very sensitive and marks easily. Limes heal remarkably quickly after trunkchopping or branch removal; unfortunately heavy pruning scars made during the growing season can lead to unsightly bulges from excessive scar tissue production.

Propagation Stratify seed for 3-5 months and sow outside in Spring, or sow outside as soon as ripe in Autumn. Ripewood cuttings in late-summer.

Pests and Diseases Susceptible to root-rot, gall mites on leaves, scale insects and aphids.

Styling Suitable for all forms except Literati though the Informal Broom form best reflects the trees natural habit. Suitable for all sizes.