London Planetree

About this plant

The Platanus x acerifolia 'Bloodgood', commonly known as the London Planetree, is a magnificent and fast-growing shade tree known for its impressive size and distinctive ornamental features. Its most striking characteristic is the exfoliating bark, which peels back to reveal mottled patches of cream, olive, and brown, providing year-round visual interest. This cultivar is highly valued for its exceptional resistance to anthracnose, a common fungal disease that can afflict other planetree varieties, making it a reliable choice for long-term landscaping. Beyond its disease resistance, the 'Bloodgood' London Planetree is incredibly adaptable to a wide range of urban conditions, including compacted soil, air pollution, and drought once established. Its broad, maple-like leaves provide dense summer shade, turning a pleasant golden-brown in the autumn before dropping. This tree is an excellent selection for parks, large estates, or as a street tree where ample space allows for its grand stature. Plant the 'Bloodgood' London Planetree to create a commanding presence in your landscape and enjoy its enduring beauty and resilience for decades to come. Its stately form and unique bark make it a standout specimen tree.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-draining soils. Prefers full sun and is highly tolerant of urban pollution, compacted soil, and heat. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Pruning for structural integrity and to remove any crossing branches can be done in late winter. No serious insect or disease problems, especially with the 'Bloodgood' cultivar's anthracnose resistance.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.