Tilia cordata 'RANCHO'

Linden trees (limes) are generally large, long-lived plants that can be found in broad avenues, in parks or in old villages. Small-leaved lime was declared our national tree of the Czech Republic in 1848 and it is a national tree of Slovakia and Slovenia, too. It is native to Europe and Caucasus where it thrives and makes large specimens where the tallest are documented.

Rancho is a small-leaved linden variety sought-after for its slow growth and much smaller size in maturity. It was bred by Edward Scanlon from Olmsted Falls in Ohio, USA, and introduced in 1961. It makes dense canopies with branches growing at an angle of 30-45 ° making the canopy almost impenetrable. Its habit is narrowly conical in young trees and becomes oval with age. Ultimate height usually does not exceed 8 m in gardens and 12 m in parks, and its spread is roughly half this size. Linden is a long-lived tree.

Leaves are deciduous, rounded to broadly heart-shaped, finely toothed, medium green, and in autumn they turn yellow and amber orange. In June appears a profusion of small, light yellow, fragrant flowers. They are melliferous but also allergenic. Linden honey is a famous and typical Czech product and is supposed to be one of the best not only because it tastes good but also for its medicinal use.

Grow linden in full sun or partial shade. It likes moist but well-drained soil, preferably alkaline or neutral but it will withstand lightly acidic ground, too. It can take some drought but may get prone to pest and diseases on dry sites and loose leaves early. Stake young trees for at least three years from planting. Fully hardy to abt. -40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 21-11-2022