London plane Platanus x hispanica
London plane (Platanus x hispanica) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Platanaceae family, native to Hybrid of Platanus orientalis and P. occidentalis (arose in cultivation in Europe). It grows 18–35 m (59–115 ft) tall and 12–20 m (39–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -24 °C (-11 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
Plan London plane in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
London plane at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Platanaceae |
| Mature height | 18–35 m (59–115 ft) |
| Mature spread | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -24 °C (-11 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Hybrid of Platanus orientalis and P. occidentalis (arose in cultivation in Europe) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France |
Is London plane toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaf and fruit hairs
Fine hairs shed by leaves and seed balls irritate the eyes, skin and airways; pet toxicity is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with London plane
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about London plane
- How far apart should I plant London plane?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 12–20 m (39–66 ft).
- Does London plane need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does London plane need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is London plane?
- It tolerates about -24 °C (-11 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does London plane flower?
- From about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is London plane poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Fine hairs shed by leaves and seed balls irritate the eyes, skin and airways; pet toxicity is not well documented.
- What grows well with London plane?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for London plane. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Standard city street tree because it tolerates pollution, compacted soil and hard pruning; flaking bark is a feature.
- Very large; not for small gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- American sycamore Platanus occidentalis
- Oriental plane Platanus orientalis
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata