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Mottled, peeling bark of a London Plane with large green leavesTrees

Platanus × hispanica

London Plane

plane treeavenue treeurban-tolerantmottled barkfast-growing

The London Plane is an imposing, fast-growing tree famous for its mottled bark that peels in large flakes, revealing a mosaic of green, yellow, and cream. The large, hand-shaped leaves provide dense shade. The plane tolerates urban pollution and extreme pruning, making it one of the world's most popular avenue trees.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
2000–4000 cm
Spread
1000–2500 cm
Hardiness zone
5–8
Family
Platanaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
green
Wildlife value
birds, insects

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in ordinary, moisture-retentive garden soil. London Plane is exceptionally tolerant of urban conditions, compaction, and air pollution. Water young trees well; mature specimens are remarkably self-sufficient. Allow for the enormous ultimate size.

Pruning tips

London Plane tolerates very hard pruning and is traditionally pollarded. Prune in winter when the tree is dormant. Remove dead wood and water sprouts. For pollards, cut back annually to the knuckles.

Good companions

Broad crown of a Small-leaved Lime with heart-shaped green leavesTrees

Tilia cordata

Small-leaved Lime

Small-leaved Lime is a stately, long-lived tree with a broad, densely branched crown and heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. In June and July, fragrant, yellow-green flowers appear that attract vast numbers of bees — the lime is one of Europe's most important bee plants. In autumn, the foliage turns warm yellow.

Full sunMedium1500–3000 cm
White trunk of a Silver Birch with fine pendulous branchesTrees

Betula pendula

Silver Birch

Silver Birch is a graceful, fast-growing tree with striking white bark that peels in thin layers over the years. The fine, pendulous branches give the tree an airy, elegant silhouette. In autumn, the small triangular leaves turn bright yellow.

Full sunMedium1000–2500 cm
Open crown of a European Ash with compound green foliageTrees

Fraxinus excelsior

European Ash

European Ash is a stately, fast-growing native tree with an open, airy crown and compound leaves that appear late in spring. In autumn, the foliage turns golden yellow. Ash plays a vital ecological role, supporting hundreds of species of insects and lichens. Unfortunately, the species is threatened by ash dieback disease.

Full sunMedium2000–3500 cm