When selecting a tree for your landscape, the Exclamation! London Planetree (Platanus x acerifolia ‘Morton Circle’) is a standout selection for those seeking a robust, visually appealing shade tree that thrives in challenging urban environments. This cultivar combines the best traits of its parent species—the American sycamore and Oriental planetree.

Key Attributes of the Exclamation! London Planetree

1. Distinctive Appearance: One of the most notable features of the Exclamation! London Planetree is its exfoliating bark, which peels away in large plates to reveal a mottled pattern of cream, tan, and green hues. This “camouflage” bark adds year-round visual interest, particularly in winter when the tree’s structure is fully visible.
2. Impressive Size and Form: This fast-growing tree typically reaches heights of 60 to 70 feet with a spread of 35 to 45 feet at maturity. It boasts a strong central leader and a uniform, upright pyramidal shape, making it an excellent choice for street plantings, parks, and large residential landscapes.
3. Disease and Stress Resistance: The Exclamation! London Planetree exhibits high resistance to common diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. It also shows resilience against frost cracking, a common issue in sycamores, and tolerates urban stresses like air pollution, compacted soils, and drought conditions.
4. Foliage and Seasonal Interest: The tree’s large, medium-green leaves provide dense shade during the summer months. In the fall, the foliage transitions to a bright yellow, offering seasonal color before leaf drop.
5. Wildlife Value: While the Exclamation! London Planetree produces fewer seed balls than the species, its fruit still provides food for birds and small mammals during the winter months

Why the Exclamation! London Planetree is a Popular Choice

1. Vibrant, Year-Round Beauty: The Exclamation! London Planetree is prized for its striking foliage. Its large, maple-like leaves emerge in the spring with a fresh green color, turning to rich yellow and golden hues in the fall. In winter, its characteristic exfoliating bark, which peels off in patches, reveals a beautiful, mottled surface that adds visual interest even during the cold months.
2. Resilient and Disease-Resistant: Unlike many other large shade trees, the Exclamation! London Planetree has been bred for enhanced resistance to common diseases and pests, including anthracnose and powdery mildew, which often affect trees in similar climates. This makes it a low-maintenance tree that can handle the elements of a high desert garden.
3. Unique Bark: One of the standout features of this tree is its unique bark. As it matures, the Exclamation! London Planetree’s bark sheds in large flakes, creating a beautiful, mottled pattern of cream, tan, and gray. This gives the tree visual interest year-round, even in winter when other trees are bare.
4. Adaptable to a Range of Conditions: The Exclamation! London Planetree has been specifically selected for its adaptability. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including alkaline soils, making it an excellent choice for desert environments. It also tolerates urban pollution and compacted soils better than many other tree varieties.

Planting and Care Tips for the Exclamation! London Planetree

• Planting: Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun, at least six hours a day. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, and ensure the tree is planted at the same depth it was growing in the container.
• Watering: Regular watering is important, especially during the first few years as the tree establishes itself. Water deeply, ensuring the roots receive ample moisture. During dry spells, deep watering every week or so is necessary.
• Pruning: Pruning is minimal for the Exclamation! London Planetree. You can prune the tree to remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. While this tree naturally develops a beautiful shape, light pruning can help maintain its form. Trim any low-hanging branches or suckers that may emerge from the base to keep the tree looking tidy and healthy.
• Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not always necessary for this tree, but applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can encourage late growth that may be damaged by frost.

The Exclamation! London Planetree is a beautiful, adaptable, and resilient tree that offers year-round interest, from its vibrant spring foliage to its stunning exfoliating bark in the winter. Its drought tolerance, heat resistance, and wind resistance make it an excellent choice for the high desert, where other trees may struggle to thrive. Whether you’re looking to add shade to your landscape or create a striking focal point, the Exclamation! London Planetree is a perfect addition to your garden.