What soil does Globe plane grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Globe plane hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Globe plane be planted?

Plant it at least 3 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Globe plane flower?

Flowering: April–May, yellow, green.

How much water does Globe plane need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Globe plane

Platanus × hispanica 'Alphen's Globe'

Globe plane (Platanus × hispanica 'Alphen's Globe') is a small tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €220.

Illustration of Globe plane — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A plane tree grafted on a tall stem that forms a large, regular ball without clipping, so it gives shade even in a small garden or beside a terrace. It copes well with city conditions, paving, heat and almost any soil, and the patchy peeling bark looks good in winter too. Expect the crown to grow several metres wide in time and the big leaves to mean a lot of sweeping in autumn; if you want it smaller, it takes pruning well.

Watch out for

In Central Europe the sycamore lace bug regularly bleaches the foliage by midsummer and the plane leaf miner blotches the leaves. In cool, wet springs plane anthracnose (leaf and shoot dieback) can appear. The fine hairs shed from the leaf undersides and fruit balls, together with the pollen, can cause coughing and eye and airway irritation in sensitive people.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 4 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, yellow, green

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	4 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	4–6 m × 3–6 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 3 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	Leaves, Fruit
Planting distance	500 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €220

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €220

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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