London Plane (platanus x acerifolia)

• Hybrid deciduous tree (up to 30–35m tall), iconic in urban landscapes (e.g., London streets) due to exceptional tolerance of pollution, compacted soil, and paving.
• Attractive mottled bark (camouflage-like flakes of cream, olive, and brown); large maple-like leaves provide dense shade in summer.
• Fast-growing, wind-resistant, and hardy; copes well with hard pruning (pollarding) to control size and maintain form.
• Long-lived (centuries); supports wildlife with seeds for birds and habitat for insects; golden-yellow autumn colour.
• Low-maintenance once established; ideal for avenues, parks, large gardens, or street planting; RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown autumn or spring.
• Location: Full sun to partial shade; any deep, moist but well-drained soil (tolerates clay, chalk, poor urban soils but dislikes waterlogged); vast open space required – unsuitable for small gardens or near buildings (roots can be invasive).
• Preparation: Dig large hole twice root width; incorporate organic matter in very poor/compacted soils.
• Planting: Set at original depth (check trunk soil mark); stake young trees firmly; firm in, water well, mulch base (keep clear of trunk) to reduce week competition and conserve soil moisture.
• Aftercare: Water regularly first few years in dry spells; minimal pruning (pollard in winter if desired to contol height and spread).