London Plane Full Standard Trees – Platanus x Acerifolia

£129.79 – £49,999.79

Platanus x acerifolia (London Plane) is a fast-growing, resilient, and adaptable tree that adds both beauty and functionality to any landscape. Known for its distinctive peeling bark, large lobed leaves, and pollution tolerance, the London Plane is a fantastic choice for urban gardens, streetscapes, and public spaces. With minimal care and excellent growth in a variety of conditions, the London Plane will continue to thrive and add elegance and structure to your landscape for years to come.

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London Plane Full Standard Trees – Platanus x acerifolia

Platanus x acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane, is a hybrid tree known for its striking appearance, durability, and adaptability. A cross between the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and the Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), the London Plane is a versatile and resilient tree that thrives in urban environments and various landscape settings. Grown as Full Standard specimens, these trees feature a single, clear stem with a well-shaped, balanced canopy that adds structure, elegance, and a timeless appeal to gardens and streetscapes alike.

Features of London Plane Full Standard Trees

Platanus x acerifolia is a large, deciduous tree that can reach heights of 20-30 meters when fully mature, making it an ideal choice for larger gardens, public parks, or streetscapes. The tree features large, lobed leaves that are bright green in summer, turning a yellow-brown in autumn, offering seasonal interest. The distinctive bark of the London Plane is one of its most prominent features: it peels off in patches to reveal a smooth, creamy-white surface, giving the tree a unique, mottled appearance. Its broad canopy provides excellent shade, and the tree’s upright growth habit creates a striking visual presence.

Why Choose London Plane Full Standard Trees?

The London Plane is a hardy, adaptable tree that is particularly well-suited for urban environments. It is pollution-tolerant, which makes it a popular choice for streets, parks, and city landscapes. Its rapid growth rate, combined with its ability to thrive in poor soils and withstand heavy traffic, makes it an excellent choice for planting in urban and suburban areas. The tree’s low-maintenance nature, along with its ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions, ensures that it will continue to provide beauty and structure for many years.

Benefits for Nature

Platanus x acerifolia provides environmental benefits as well as ornamental value. Its dense canopy offers excellent shade, helping to cool the surrounding area in summer. The tree also provides habitat and shelter for local wildlife, including birds and insects. The pollution tolerance of Platanus x acerifolia makes it particularly valuable in urban areas, where it can help to reduce air pollution and contribute to a healthier environment. The tree’s fallen leaves enrich the soil and provide organic matter, supporting the surrounding ecosystem.

Landscaping and Design Uses

The London Plane is ideal for use in larger gardens, public spaces, and street plantings. Its ability to thrive in urban conditions makes it a popular choice for boulevards, parks, and tree-lined streets. With its upright form and broad canopy, the London Plane provides both visual interest and functional benefits such as shade and shelter. The tree’s distinctive bark adds texture and colour to the landscape, making it an attractive focal point in any garden or landscape design.

Growing Conditions

Platanus x acerifolia is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. It performs best in well-drained soils and prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The tree is hardy and resilient, capable of withstanding cold temperatures down to -20°C. It also has pollution tolerance, which makes it perfect for urban and industrial areas. Once established, the London Plane is drought-tolerant and can handle tough growing conditions, including compacted soils and areas with high foot or vehicle traffic.

Fun Fact

The London Plane has earned its name from its widespread use in London’s streets and parks, where it is a common sight. The tree’s ability to thrive in polluted, urban environments and its resistance to fungal diseases make it a favourite for city planners. The London Plane’s ability to shed bark regularly also contributes to its natural resistance to pests and diseases.

Summary

Platanus x acerifolia (London Plane) is a fast-growing, resilient, and adaptable tree that adds both beauty and functionality to any landscape. Known for its distinctive peeling bark, large lobed leaves, and pollution tolerance, the London Plane is a fantastic choice for urban gardens, streetscapes, and public spaces. With minimal care and excellent growth in a variety of conditions, the London Plane will continue to thrive and add elegance and structure to your landscape for years to come.

Disclaimer

London Plane trees may vary in appearance depending on the season and maturity. Regular watering during dry spells and occasional pruning to maintain shape is recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions: London Plane Full Standard Trees (Platanus × hispanica)

What are London Plane Full Standard Trees?

The London Plane (Platanus × hispanica) is a large, deciduous tree renowned for its distinctive mottled bark, broad maple-like leaves, and impressive canopy. A hybrid of the American sycamore and Oriental plane, it is exceptionally hardy, thriving in urban environments where other trees struggle. Its ability to filter air pollutants and withstand compacted soils makes it a top choice for parks, streets, and spacious gardens across the UK.

How fast do London Plane Trees grow, and how large do they get?

London Plane Trees grow at a moderate to fast rate, typically adding 30–60 cm (1–2 feet) per year. At maturity, they can reach heights of 20–30 meters (65–98 feet) with a wide-spreading canopy of up to 20 meters (65 feet). Their size makes them ideal for creating shade and making a bold statement in large spaces.

What are the ideal growing conditions for London Plane Trees in the UK?

London Plane Trees thrive in the UK’s temperate climate. They prefer well-drained soils but are highly adaptable to clay, sandy, and loamy soils. They grow best in full sun but tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for various planting locations. Their resilience to pollution, compacted soils, and frost ensures reliable growth in urban and rural settings alike.

What maintenance is required for London Plane Trees?

London Plane Trees are low-maintenance once established. Occasional pruning is recommended to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain a balanced canopy. Be mindful that they produce seasonal leaf and twig litter, which may require cleanup in managed landscapes. Despite this, their durability and resilience make them a hassle-free addition to most spaces.

Are there any considerations when planting London Plane Trees?

Due to their size and extensive root systems, London Plane Trees are best suited for large gardens, parks, or open spaces. Roots can disrupt pavements or underground utilities if planted too close to structures. Additionally, the fine hairs on their fruit may cause mild respiratory irritation, so they are best positioned away from high-traffic areas or residential buildings.

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