Plane Tree

The plane tree (Platanus orientalis var. insularis 'Autumn Glory') is the classic broad crowned shade tree of European avenues, selected for reliable autumn colour in Australian conditions. It reaches roughly 12m tall and 8m wide, grows quickly, and drops its leaves in winter so the sun reaches the house when you want it.

Why you'll love it

• Deep summer shade, winter sun. A dense canopy cools a lawn or driveway through the hottest months, then clears in winter.
• Autumn colour you can count on. The large maple shaped leaves turn gold and warm bronze before dropping.
• Fast to useful size. An advanced tree gives real shade in years rather than decades.
• Handles hard sites. Frost hardy, heat tolerant, wind tolerant, drought tolerant once established and untroubled by poor soil.
• Low maintenance. Beyond formative pruning and raking leaves in winter, it asks for very little.

Where it works best

Shade over lawns and outdoor living areas. Site the trunk at least 10m from the house so the mature crown sits over open ground rather than the roof.

Driveways and avenues. Plant 8m to 10m apart so the crowns meet overhead without crowding.

One honest warning: the root system is vigorous and wide. Keep it well clear of paving, retaining walls, septic lines and water pipes, and do not plant it on a small suburban block.

Growing plane tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and open ground. It suits warm temperate, cool temperate, mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens. It is not a tree for tropical or subtropical gardens.

Soil. Adaptable. It tolerates poor and compacted ground better than most large trees, but establishes fastest in deep soil with reasonable drainage. Mulch out to the edge of the canopy, kept off the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soakings once or twice a week through the first two summers build the root system that carries it through later dry spells, after which water only in extended drought. A slow release fertiliser in early spring is plenty.

Pruning. Prune in the first few winters to establish one straight leader and evenly spaced limbs. Mature trees need almost nothing beyond lifting the lower branches for clearance.

What to expect when it arrives

These are advanced container grown trees in 45L, 100L and 200L, so you begin with genuine height and trunk calliper rather than a whip. The 45L is the easiest to plant yourself; the 100L and 200L are a two person job.

A tree that arrives between late autumn and early spring will be bare. That is normal, and the best time to plant one. Expect the first season to go into roots rather than height, then strong growth from the second year. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and everything is delivered Australia wide with our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Choosing a canopy tree for real shade
• The best trees for lining a driveway
• Browse advanced trees ready to plant
• See more plants with autumn colour

Common questions

How far apart for an avenue?

Plant 8m to 10m apart. Closer and the crowns compete, producing narrow lopsided trees.

Will it colour up in a warm climate?

Colour is strongest where autumn nights get genuinely cool. In subtropical and tropical areas the leaves tend to drop green or brown.

Is it safe to plant near a driveway or path?

Not close to one. The roots are vigorous and surface rooting, and over time they lift paving and edging. Allow generous distance, or choose a smaller tree with less aggressive roots.