About

A large, deciduous tree to 25m height and width. The leaves are deeply divided into five narrow points and are dark green, turning to yellow in autumn. It has flaking bark showing patches of grey, olive green and brown the seedheads hang like christmas baubles into the winter.

About the genus

Platanus are vigorous, large deciduous trees of stately appearance, with maple-like foliage and attractively patterned bark

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any soil in full sun. This is suited only to very large gardens and parkland. For more advice see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1 or can be hard pruned in winter. Suitable for pleaching
PropagationPropagate from hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lace bugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to plane anthracnose and honey fungus