High Quality Platanus Trees For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Platanus Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Plane Trees and the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Platanus trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Platanus

1. What is the common name for Platanus?

Platanus trees are commonly known as planes, plane trees, or *sycamores. The name "plane" comes from the Greek word "platanos," which was used to refer to Platanus orientalis, the Oriental plane. The name "sycamore" is thought to be a corruption of the Latin word "saccharum," which means "sugar," as the sap of Platanus trees was once used to make sugar.

2. What is the growth rate of Platanus?

Platanus trees are fast-growing trees, typically reaching heights of 30-50 meters (98-164 feet) in maturity. They can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) per year in ideal conditions. Their rapid growth rate allows them to quickly establish themselves in their environment and outcompete other trees.

The growth rate of Platanus trees can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Climate: Platanus trees prefer warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil. In cooler climates, their growth rate may be slower.
• Soil: Platanus trees thrive in rich, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH. In poorer soil conditions, their growth rate may be slower.
• Water: Platanus trees require regular watering, especially during their first few years after planting. If they do not receive enough water, their growth rate may be stunted.
• Competition: Platanus trees can tolerate some competition from other trees, but they grow best in areas where they have plenty of space to spread their roots and branches.

Despite their fast growth rate, Platanus trees are relatively long-lived trees. Some specimens have been known to live for hundreds of years.

3. What is Platanus in English?

Platanus is the genus name for a small group of trees native to the Northern Hemisphere. They are commonly known as planes, plane trees, or sycamores. Platanus trees are characterized by their large, palmately lobed leaves, their small, monoecious flowers in globose heads, and their distinctive bark that flakes off in patches.

There are six to ten recognized species of Platanus, but the two most common and widely cultivated species are:

1. Platanus occidentalis: Also known as the American sycamore or western sycamore, this species is native to eastern North America. It is a large, deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall and 20 meters (66 feet) wide.
2. Platanus orientalis: Also known as the Oriental plane or eastern plane, this species is native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a similar in size to the American sycamore, but it has slightly smaller leaves and a more open crown.

Platanus trees have been cultivated for centuries for their beauty and shade. They are also valued for their tolerance of urban conditions, such as air pollution and root compaction. They are a popular choice for planting in parks, streets, and gardens.

4. What is the difference between Platanus occidentalis and Acerifolia?

Platanus occidentalis, commonly known as the American sycamore or western sycamore, and Platanus × acerifolia, also known as the London plane or hybrid plane, are two closely related species of trees that are often confused with each other. They are both large, deciduous trees with distinctive bark that flakes off in patches, but there are a few key differences between them.

Leaf shape:

• Platanus occidentalis has larger, broader leaves with deeper sinuses between the lobes.
• Platanus × acerifolia has slightly smaller, narrower leaves with shallower sinuses between the lobes.

Fruit clusters:

• Platanus occidentalis typically bears solitary fruit clusters.
• Platanus × acerifolia typically bears fruit clusters in pairs or triplets.

Bark:

• Platanus occidentalis has a mottled bark with patches of white, gray, and green.
• Platanus × acerifolia has a more consistently yellowish-brown bark.

Distribution:

• Platanus occidentalis is native to eastern North America.
• Platanus × acerifolia is a hybrid of Platanus occidentalis and Platanus orientalis, a native of southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It is most commonly found in urban areas worldwide.

5. What are the disadvantages of London plane tree?

Like any tree species, London plane trees (Platanus × acerifolia) have both advantages and disadvantages. While they are widely admired for their beauty, adaptability, and tolerance of urban conditions, they also have some drawbacks that should be considered before planting them.

1. Large size and aggressive roots: London plane trees can grow to be very large, reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and spreads of up to 80 feet (24 meters). Their extensive root systems can damage sidewalks, driveways, and underground infrastructure.
2. Messy shedding: London plane trees produce a large amount of fallen leaves, twigs, and fruit balls, which can be a nuisance for homeowners and municipalities. They are also susceptible to fungal diseases that can cause premature leaf drop.
3. Allergenic pollen and spores: London plane trees produce pollen and spores that can trigger allergies in some people. The pollen is typically released in the spring, while the spores are released in the fall.
4. Susceptibility to pests and diseases: While London plane trees are relatively resistant to some pests and diseases, they can be susceptible to others, such as anthracnose, aphids, and borers.
5. High maintenance requirements: London plane trees require regular pruning to control their size and shape, and they may also need to be fertilized and treated for pests and diseases.
6. Potential for conflict with power lines and structures: Due to their large size, London plane trees can grow into power lines and other overhead structures, requiring regular trimming or removal.
7. Invasive potential in some areas: London plane trees can become invasive in some regions, especially in areas with disturbed soils or warm climates. They can outcompete native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems.

Despite these disadvantages, London plane trees remain a popular choice for urban landscaping due to their many positive qualities. Careful planning and maintenance can help mitigate the drawbacks and ensure that London plane trees can thrive in urban environments.

6. How big do Platanus acerifolia get?

Platanus × acerifolia, also known as the London plane tree or hybrid plane, is a large, deciduous tree that can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and spreads of up to 80 feet (24 meters). It is a fast-growing tree, typically adding 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) per year, and can reach maturity in 20-30 years.