Skip to content

Volume Discounts Apply At Checkout

Platanus orientalis 'digitata' - Evergreen Trees Direct

About Your New Platanus orientalis 'Digitata'

Platanus orientalis 'Digitata' is a large deciduous tree grown for its deeply cut, hand shaped leaves and its broad spreading crown. The pale bark peels in patches to reveal cream, green and tan beneath. Autumn brings yellow and russet tones, and spherical seed balls hang from the bare branches through winter.

It wants full sun and grows in most soils, from sand through to clay, provided water is available while it establishes. Growth is roughly 60 centimetres to 1 metre a year. It is frost hardy and heat tolerant, well suited to temperate and cool temperate climates, and drought tolerant once its roots are deep.

At 20 to 30 metres tall and 15 to 25 metres wide, this is a tree for parks, boulevards, large civic spaces and rural driveways. Space it 3 metres apart for an avenue, or 3 to 4 metres where each specimen needs a full canopy. It delivers deep shade over a very long working life.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Oriental Plane 'Digitata'

What is the difference between the Oriental Plane and the London Plane?

The Oriental Plane is one of the parents of the hybrid London Plane. 'Digitata' has more deeply divided leaves, cut almost to the base into narrow fingers, and a broader, more open crown. Both are large deciduous shade trees with flaking mottled bark, but 'Digitata' carries a looser and more picturesque outline.

How big does Platanus orientalis 'Digitata' grow?

It reaches 20 to 30 metres tall with a spread of 15 to 25 metres. The crown is broad and spreading rather than upright, so allow for width as much as height. Old specimens develop heavy low limbs and a wide root plate, which makes open ground essential for this tree.

How fast does it grow?

Around 60 centimetres to 1 metre a year, faster on deep moist soil and slower on shallow or compacted ground. It puts on height quickly in youth and then spends decades broadening the crown. Consistent water in the first three summers has more effect on growth than fertiliser does.

Does it need full sun?

Yes, plant it in full sun. It will grow in light shade when young, but the crown becomes drawn and one sided and the autumn colour is poorer. Open positions with air movement also reduce the leaf diseases that affect planes in humid springs. Avoid planting it beneath an existing canopy.

Is it drought tolerant?

Once established it copes well with dry summers, which is why plane trees hold up in inland Australian towns. It is not a low water tree in its early years. Deep, infrequent watering for the first three seasons builds the root system that carries it through drought later on.

How far apart should I plant it for an avenue?

Space trees 3 metres apart for a uniform avenue where the canopies are meant to meet and be managed by pruning. If each tree is to develop its full natural form, allow 3 to 4 metres as a minimum, and considerably more where space permits given the eventual 15 to 25 metre spread.

How do I care for a young plane tree?

Stake only if the site is windy, and remove the ties within two years. Mulch a wide ring and keep grass off the root zone. Prune in winter to establish a clear trunk and a strong single leader. Once mature it needs little beyond removing dead wood and periodic crown inspection.

Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:

Load video:

Plant Your Platanus orientalis 'Digitata' With:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Regular price $21.95
Sale price $21.95 Regular price
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

Regular price From $200.00
Sale price From $200.00 Regular price
Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'

Regular price From $180.00
Sale price From $180.00 Regular price
Liguleria Reniformis - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Structural Foliage

Ligularia reniformis

Regular price $45.00
Sale price $45.00 Regular price
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

Regular price From $145.00
Sale price From $145.00 Regular price
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'

Regular price From $130.00
Sale price From $130.00 Regular price
Viburnum tinus - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Viburnum tinus

Regular price From $135.00
Sale price From $135.00 Regular price

Uses in my Garden

  • Street Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Shade Tree
  • Feature Tree
  • Council or Civic Landscapes

Platanus orientalis 'Digitata' works in an:

  • Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
  • Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
  • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.

youtube Load video:

Planting Information

youtube Load video:
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct

Elevate Your Garden

Follow Us On Instagram

@evergreentreedirect
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct