Platanus x Hispanica or the London Plane Tree makes an impressive outline against a blue sky, with its elegantly domed shape and attractive, maple-like foliage.
'Hispanica' is one of the more successful hybrids that has been very well cultivated, largely as a street tree, mainly because of its tolerance for pollution, but also because of its good looks, the bark being particularly handsome.
It is deciduous and a fine sight in autumn as the leaves turn to gold and red. It also features green to grey and cream flaking bark, making it a good sight even in winter.
It produces small flowers but these are inconspicuous, though the burred fruits look a little like chestnuts.
If you plant one then expect to wait around 30 years to see it at its best and reaching full height around 40-50 years.