Platanus x hispanica
London plane tree
Also known as Platanus x acerifolia, Platanus x hispanica 'Acerifolia'
- Height × spread
- 35m × 16m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a popular city tree, superb in a park where it forms an immense bell-shaped tree with bright-green, slightly toothy, maple-like leaves. The bark flakes to reveal grey and cream tones. The spherical clusters of fruit hang on the tree throughout winter. This tree can reach 50m (165ft) in height and, apparently, they almost never blow down. If you visit the collection of old roses at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire, you can also see the most magnificent of plane trees with sweeping branches that encompass one. These large trees grow best in warmer parts. The London plane is extremely tolerant of very poor conditions, but also enjoys deep rich soils and certainly deserves the best for its contribution to the landscape. It can look extremely unhappy when sited in shallow chalky soil.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Gold-orange
- Stem colour
- Brown, Cream, Grey
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 35m
- Spread
- 16m
- Height in 10 years
- 10m
- Spread in 10 years
- 4m
- Season of interest
- Winter
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.