Manchurian Linden (Tilia mandshurica)

Photo: Tatyana PetrenkoCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Manchurian Linden Plant Care

Tilia mandshurica Rupr. & Maxim.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

The Tilia mandshurica is easily recognized by its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellow flowers. Originating from China and Korea, this plant is sought after by collectors for its ornamental value and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.

🌳Trees
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

10–100°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Manchurian Linden?

Plant Manchurian Linden in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 4a–7b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 10–100°F (-12–38°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Manchurian Linden Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Manchurian Linden?

Manchurian Linden (Tilia mandshurica) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Tilia genus. Manchurian Linden is native to China, the Korea Peninsula, Japan, and the Russian Far East.

Manchurian Linden displays a tall, deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Manchurian Linden produces fragrant pale yellow flowers in drooping clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Manchurian Linden?

Water a young or newly planted Manchurian Linden every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Manchurian Linden Need?

Manchurian Linden thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Manchurian Linden Prefer?

Tilia mandshurica tolerates temperatures of 10–100°F. Manchurian Linden prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

10–100°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Manchurian Linden?

Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Manchurian Linden to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Manchurian Linden?

Feed Manchurian Linden every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Manchurian Linden?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Manchurian Linden is suited to USDA Zone 4a – 7b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Manchurian Linden?

Manchurian Linden can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Manchurian Linden?

Prune Manchurian Linden while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Manchurian Linden in Winter?

Manchurian Linden is hardy down to USDA zone 4a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

How Do You Propagate a Manchurian Linden?

Manchurian Linden can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to amur linden plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Manchurian Linden Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Manchurian Linden, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Manchurian Linden?

Manchurian Linden is susceptible to aphids, japanese beetles, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Manchurian Linden Need?

Manchurian Linden grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Manchurian Linden is native to China, the Korea Peninsula, Japan, and the Russian Far East.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 4a – 7b

Keep exploring plants

Manchurian Linden is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Tilia genus — compare its care with other Tilia species on PlantoScan.

Tilia is part of the Malvaceae plant family — browse all Malvaceae genera and species.

Manchurian Linden thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Tilia Species

Other Tilia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Tilia mandshurica Rupr. & Maxim., family Malvaceae (first published in Bull. Cl. Phys.-Math. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Pétersbourg 15: 124 (1856)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Manchurian Linden, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Tatyana Petrenko, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 7b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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