Description: Platanus × acerifolia 'PLATANOR Vallis Clausa', commonly known as PLATANOR Vallis Clausa London Plane Tree, is a deciduous tree renowned for its attractive exfoliating bark, large size, and resilience in urban environments. This cultivar is particularly prized for its resistance to anthracnose and canker stain, making it a robust 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

Platanus × acerifolia 'PLATANOR Vallis Clausa' (PLATANOR Vallis Clausa London Plane Tree)

Common Name: PLATANOR Vallis Clausa London Plane Tree

Botanical Name: Platanus × acerifolia 'PLATANOR Vallis Clausa'

Family: Platanaceae

Origin: Hybrid of Platanus orientalis and Platanus occidentalis, selected for its resistance to diseases

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