TreesPlatanus × hispanica
London Plane
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.
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
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
TreesTilia 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.
TreesBetula 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.
TreesFraxinus 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.