Platanus x acerifolia Bloodgood - London Plane tree

Description: Platanus × acerifolia 'Bloodgood', commonly known as Bloodgood London Plane Tree, is a deciduous tree valued for its attractive exfoliating bark, large size, and resilience in urban environments. This cultivar is particularly prized for its resistance to anthracnose and its ability to thrive in various conditions, making it a popular choice for street and shade trees.

Flowers:

• Blooms: Produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring. The flowers are not a significant feature of this tree.
• Fragrance: The flowers are generally not fragrant.

Foliage:

• Leaves: Large, maple-like leaves that are bright green in spring and summer, turning a golden yellow in autumn before shedding. The leaves can be up to 20-25 cm wide, providing excellent shade.
• Seasonal Color: The foliage provides vibrant green color in the growing season and attractive yellow in the fall.

Bark:

• Bark: One of the most striking features, the bark exfoliates in patches, revealing a mottled pattern of creamy white, olive, and light brown beneath. This adds significant winter interest.

Form and Size:

• Size: Typically grows 15-20 meters tall and 10-15 meters wide, forming a broad, rounded canopy.
• Habit: Upright and spreading with a dense, rounded crown that provides excellent shade.

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in temperate climates, suitable for various regions in Australia. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and conditions, including urban pollution.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It tolerates both acidic and alkaline conditions.
• Sunlight: Best grown in full sun to ensure robust growth and foliage development.
• Watering: Regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture during prolonged dry spells.

Uses:

• Street Tree: Ideal for planting along streets and avenues due to its resilience and ability to withstand pollution and urban conditions.
• Shade Tree: Provides excellent shade in parks, gardens, and large landscapes due to its broad canopy.
• Specimen Tree: Can be used as a standalone specimen tree in large gardens and public spaces where its bark and form can be showcased.

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Prune in late winter to early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain shape. Regular pruning helps promote a strong structure.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and foliage color.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to many pests and diseases. Monitor for plane anthracnose, powdery mildew, and sycamore lace bug, especially in humid conditions.

Notes:

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. It can withstand light frosts and a variety of environmental stresses.
• Companion Plants: Pair with other large trees and shrubs that can thrive in similar conditions, such as oaks, elms, and maples, to create a diverse and resilient landscape.

Propagation: Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter or by seed.

Platanus × acerifolia 'Bloodgood' (Bloodgood London Plane Tree)

Common Name: Bloodgood London Plane Tree, Bloodgood Plane Tree

Botanical Name: Platanus × acerifolia 'Bloodgood'

Family: Platanaceae

Origin: Hybrid of Platanus orientalis and Platanus occidentalis, cultivated for its hardiness and disease resistance

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