Dropmore Linden

Tilia x flavescens 'Dropmore'

The Dropmore Linden is a hardy, fast-growing hybrid linden tree developed in Canada, which is ideal for our prairie landscapes. It is generally valued for its dense canopy, fragrant yellow flowers, and its resistance to drought and cold. An excellent choice for shade, boulevards, or windbreaks in our Zone 3 location.

• Hardiness Zone: 2-4
• Mature Size: 40-50 feet tall, 30-35 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (~1-2 feet per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Well-draining, loamy soil is ideal.
  • Tolerates clay, alkaline, and sandy soils.
  • Avoid waterlogged areas.
• Spacing: At least 20-30 feet apart for full canopy development.

Watering

• Young Trees: Deep watering once or twice a week for the first 2 years.
• Established Trees: Water every 2-3 weeks during dry spells.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate; benefits from deep watering during extended drought.
• Deep Watering Tip: Apply water at the base and let it soak deeply to encourage strong root growth and development.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring.
• For established trees, fertilize every 2-3 years if growth slows.
• Mulch with compost or aged manure in spring to provide nutrients.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring (before bud break).
• How to Prune:
  • Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
  • Maintain a strong central leader (main trunk).
  • Raise the canopy by removing lower branches over time (if desired for clearance).
  • Avoid heavy pruning in summer, as it may stress the tree.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Linden Aphids – Sap-sucking insects that cause sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or encourage ladybugs.
• Japanese Beetles – Chew on leaves, skeletonizing them.
  • Solution: Handpick beetles, use traps away from the tree.
• Linden Leafminer – Causes small brown blotches in leaves.
  • Solution: Prune and destroy infected leaves.

Common Diseases:

• Leaf Spot (Anthracnose, Septoria, etc.) – Fungal spots on leaves.
  • Solution: Improve air circulation, apply fungicide if severe.
• Verticillium Wilt – Yellowing, wilting of leaves.
  • Solution: No cure; remove infected branches, improve soil health.

Winter Protection

• Young Trees: Wrap the trunk with burlap or tree guards in late fall to prevent sunscald and frost cracks.
• Mature Trees: Typically hardy without protection.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the trunk) to insulate roots.

Landscape Uses
Shade tree for yards and parks
Great for boulevards and street plantings
Tolerates urban pollution well
Produces fragrant flowers that attract bees (good for pollinators)

Photo courtesy of Foothills Nursery