2 named cultivars

tree

London Plane

The Story

Plant Bio

Platanus x acerifolia, the London plane, is a very large deciduous tree of hybrid origin, reaching seventy to a hundred feet with a spread of sixty to seventy-five. Its defining feature is the bark, which flakes away in irregular plates to reveal creamy olive inner wood, and it carries large maple-like leaves on zigzagging grey-green stems.

It is the classic city tree because it tolerates compacted soil, root restriction and polluted air better than almost anything else, and sheds its bark along with accumulated grime. Against that, it is enormous — seventy-five feet across at maturity — and the fine hairs shed from young leaves and seed balls are a recognised irritant to eyes and airways.

Uses & Benefits:

Spectacular flaking bark in cream, olive and grey, and a huge architectural branch framework.

Unmatched tolerance of pollution, compaction and root restriction, which is why cities plant it.

Birds, pollinators and small mammals use it, and its size makes it a significant urban canopy tree.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

960 inches

Width

780 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden hybrid, probably raised in Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic; leaf hairs can irritate airways

Planting

How to Grow

Allow at least sixty feet of spread before planting.
Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil.
Keep it well away from buildings and drains.
Water deeply through the first several summers.
Expect substantial leaf and bark litter each year.
Prune structurally when young, in winter.

Pro Tip

It is a park and street tree, not a garden one — at seventy-five feet across, most residential plots cannot house it without regret.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow sixty feet or more of spread 📏
Use it where pollution defeats other trees 🏙️
Water deeply while establishing 💧
Prune structurally when young ✂️

Don't

Plant it in a small garden ❌
Site it near drains or foundations ❌
Underestimate the annual litter ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Street and avenue plantingLarge park and campus specimenShade tree where space is genuinely unlimited

Companion Plants

Daffodil Wood Anemone Hellebore Ivy Epimedium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

London Plane questions

What zones can London Plane grow in?

London Plane is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is London Plane deer resistant?

Yes — London Plane is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does London Plane bloom?

London Plane typically blooms in mid spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does London Plane need full sun?

London Plane does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is London Plane drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), London Plane handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.