London Planetree
Platanus x acerifolia
London Planetree (Platanus x acerifolia) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 60–90 ft tall and 50–75 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun. Anthracnose.
medium to high water60–90 ft tall and 50–75 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Platanus x acerifolia
- Variety / cultivar
- London Planetree 'EXCLAMATION!®'
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 60–90 ft tall and 50–75 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~75 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryOur alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
- Critical: Soil TextureThe catch is drainage, not the dirt itself; it takes our clay only where water moves through, so avoid low spots and soggy ground.
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Leaf ScorchIts leaf edges brown in hot, dry wind, so give it steady summer water and some shelter from the worst afternoon blast.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
Frequently asked questions
- Is London Planetree good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, London Planetree is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does London Planetree get?
- It matures to about 60–90 ft tall and 50–75 ft wide.
- How much room does London Planetree need?
- Give London Planetree about 75 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does London Planetree grow into?
- London Planetree typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is London Planetree hardy on the Front Range?
- London Planetree is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does London Planetree need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does London Planetree grow?
- London Planetree is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does London Planetree live?
- London Planetree is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is London Planetree native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
