Trees With Heart-Shaped Leaves: A Guide to Britain’s Most Romantic Foliage

Heart-shaped leaves are some of the most beloved in the plant kingdom capturing imaginations with their symmetrical beauty. Several tree species native to the UK produce charming cordate foliage that can add grace and romance to any landscape.

In this article, we will explore some of Britain’s trees with heart-shaped leaves to help you identify and cultivate these botanical treasures Discover which heart-leaved trees grow best in your climate and how to care for them With proper siting and care, these romantic trees will fill your heart with joy for years to come.

Why Do Some Tree Leaves Form Heart Shapes?

The development of a heart-shaped leaf is under precise genetic control. Growth hormones direct the leaf margin’s expansion, creating either a smooth edge or one with indentations.

A heart leaf forms when growth lags between the lobes, causing gaps around a central lobe. The leaf’s veins further influence the final shape.

Botanically, heart-shaped leaves are termed “cordate.” The indentation between the two lobes is the leaf’s “sinus.” Some leaves have a deep sinus, nearly dividing the leaf, while others have just a subtle heart shape.

Both broadleaf and conifer trees can develop cordate foliage. Most heart-leaved trees are deciduous, losing their leaves in autumn. But a few evergreen tree varieties also bear heart-shaped leaves.

Small-Leaved Limes

Two native British trees famed for their heart-shaped leaves are the small-leaved and large-leaved lime trees.

• Small-leaved lime: A large, dome-shaped tree growing over 20m tall. It has dainty, heart-shaped green leaves just 5-8cm long that turn yellow in autumn.

• Large-leaved lime: Also called the summer lime, this species has broader, thicker heart-shaped leaves reaching 13cm long. It forms a tall, pyramidal silhouette.

Both lime varieties produce dense clusters of sweetly fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers attractive to pollinators. Their bark is grey, fissured, and flattened into ridges.

Common Lime

More frequently seen in parks and gardens is the common lime hybrid (Tilia × europaea). This combines the best traits of the small-leaved and large-leaved parent trees.

With heart-shaped, deep green leaves and grey bark, common lime makes an excellent shade tree. Its scented yellow-white blooms also draw bees and other pollinators.

Foxglove Tree

The foxglove tree (Paulownia tomentosa) earns its name from large panicles of foxglove-like purple flowers blooming in spring. But it also bears huge, downy, heart-shaped leaves up to 30cm across that emerge bronze before turning green.

Although it can reach 15m tall, regular pruning can maintain foxglove tree at a lower stature. This is achieved by cutting all growth back to the trunk each spring, prompting enormous new leaves.

So with time and patience, the benefits of this showy, deciduous tree can be yours to enjoy.

Katsura Tree

The Asian katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) puts on a show with autumn foliage starting out pinkish and orange before turning golden. Its leaves are rounded and heart-shaped, often with a bluish cast.

Katsura tree matures into a broad, spreading specimen up to 25m tall. Site it with room to flaunt its amazing seasonal color.

Heart-Leaved Philodendron

Houseplant lovers can appreciate heart-shaped leaves year-round with philodendron. Heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens) has big, deep green, glossy, cordate leaves reaching 30cm long.

Native to Brazil’s steamy jungles, philodendron thrives as a low-maintenance houseplant and in frost-free gardens. Let its vining stems spill from a hanging basket to show off the charming leaf shapes.

Other Plants With Heart-Shaped Leaves

Beyond trees, many other plants bear cordate foliage that can add charm to your home and garden:

• Dutchman’s pipe vine: A climber with huge 10-inch heart-shaped leaves.

• Redbud ‘Hearts of Gold’: A redbud tree cultivar with golden heart-shaped foliage.

• Creeping oxalis: A spreading ground cover perennial with clover-like leaves.

• Siberian bugloss ‘Jack Frost’: Variegated heart leaves in silver and green.

• Hostas: Shade garden perennials, some with white-edged heart-shaped leaves.

• Anthurium: A houseplant with shiny, heart-shaped leaves and flowers.

• Philodendrons: Tropical houseplants like pink princess philodendron.

• Caladium: Vibrant heart-shaped tropical foliage.

Growing Trees With Heart-Shaped Leaves

Here are some tips for success growing cordate-leaved trees:

• Most prefer fertile, moist, well-draining soil. Amend clay or sandy soils before planting.

• Site in full sun to partial shade depending on the species. Shelter from strong winds.

• Water regularly until young trees establish deep roots. Then normal rainfall should suffice.

• Stake saplings until they develop sturdy trunks and roots.

• Prune crossing, damaged, or congested branches for good structure.

• Control pests like scale, mites, or aphids that may affect some trees.

• When siting, allow heart-shaped trees ample room to spread and showcase their foliage.

With proper care, heart-leaved trees will bring romance and grace to your landscape for years to come. Discover Britain’s most endearing cordate trees and make your garden a place for love to take root and grow.