Platanus acerifolia |
Native Region: Unknown, possibly North American developed cultivar.
Zone Range: 4-8
Preferred Climate: Full sun; well draining reasonably good soil.
Harvest Date: Tuesday 17 February, 2009
Seed count: 25-30
Description:
Popular street and park tree growing to 10 meters tall with a 5-7 meter spread. Beautiful shiny mid green, leathery, maple-like leaves (sometimes red). Attractive bark mottled of white, buff, yellow and grey as dark older bark is shed in plates to expose bright new bark beneath creating an interesting patch work pattern. Large bristly seed 'balls' usually produced in pairs add winter interest.
Notes:
Hybrid of P. occidentalis and P. orientalis created in the 17th century. Can withstand heavy pruning and pollution. Easy to grow. Fast growing. Given the name 'London' as it was extensively planted in the city of London during the industrial revolution because it could withstand the coal smoke filled skies, and provided a spot of colour when trees shed soot covered bark to reveil something new and clean. All seedlings are green leafed.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 12 hours, sow, barely cover. Press seed into medium. Optimum germination temp: 15-20 C. Days to germination: 7-14 days. Great germination (+75%) in my trials. Pretty much instant gratification for tree germination. Surprised me!
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