Platanus × hispanica

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London plane

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London plane RHS
London plane RHS
London plane RHS 2003
London plane RHS

Other common names

maple-leaved plane

Synonyms

Platanus × acerifolia
Platanus × hybrida

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Trees
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A magnificent, large deciduous tree with beautiful flaking grey and cream bark. Leaves maple-like, palmately lobed, to 20cm in width. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by clustered, burr-like fruits

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Platanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Platanus are vigorous, large deciduous trees of stately appearance, with maple-like foliage and attractively patterned bark
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils but avoid planting in the vacinity of buildings due to vigorous root system

Propagation

Propagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to lace bugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to plane anthracnose and honey fungus