
Suggest London planetree when customers ask for . . .
- A large lawn tree
- A tree that offers some winter interest (showy bark)
- A sturdy and drought-tolerant tree
- A tree that’s easily transplanted
- A sturdy, substantial shade tree
{The story}
London planetree is prized as a sturdy, solid urban tree. It can reach a massive height of 70- to 80-feet tall, with a similar spread. London planetree adapts well to difficult growing sites and less-than-ideal conditions. It’s pollution tolerant, making it a good candidate for a lawn tree in an urban area. It can only be used as a street tree if it’s given plenty of space. London planetree’s bark is ornamental and very attractive. It exfoliates in large plates, revealing a creamy inner bark. Leaves are typically medium to dark green, with yellow-brown autumn foliage.
- Group London planetrees with other trees and shrubs that offer exceptionally showy bark.
- Merchandise it as an “anchor” tree ideal for new homes with substantial backyards.
- Create signage touting London planetree as a pollution-tolerant selection that helps clean the air.
- Run a “scavenger hunt” for kids, challenging them to find the tallest London planetree in their neighborhood.
- In autumn, encourage parents and children to create a huge pile of London planetree leaves and snap a picture. Feature the images in the store newsletter.
Get curated news on YOUR industry.
Enter your email to receive our newsletters.

Explore the October 2010 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
Latest from Garden Center
- Trends: Proven Winners 2025 perennial survey shows strong demand
- Online registration opens for the 2025 Farwest Show
- Sustainabloom launches Wholesale Nickel Program to support floriculture sustainability
- Society of American Florists accepting entries for 2025 Marketer of the Year Contest
- American Horticultural Society welcomes five new board members
- Color Orchids acquires Floricultura Pacific, becoming largest orchid supplier in U.S.
- American Floral Endowment establishes Demaree Family Floriculture Advancement Fund
- University of Florida researchers are securing the future of floral fragrance using caladium