Position-Full sun, semi-shade. Soil Type-Tolerant of most except boggy. Rate of Growth-Average 1-2ft (30-60cm) per year. Foliage-Deciduous (loses its leaves in winter). Hardiness-Fully Hardy. Flowers-These are inconsequential as is their colour. Eventual height 7-10m depending on variety. Spread 3m in 10 years. Eventual spread 5-7m. Other features-Most grown for their foliage colour. Description-A very striking and elegant cultivar, with broad palmate creamy edged lime green leaves. Stunning planted next to purple varieties.
Garden care-Planting-Dig a planting hole large enough and deep enough for the soil ball to be surrounded by a 3-4inch layer of planting mixture. The hole should be deep enough to ensure the top of the soil ball will be 1-2 inches below the soil surface after planting. Always water the container before planting. Place 3-4inches of planting mix in the bottom of the hole, put soil ball in the hole, fill space around it with planting mix. Never use ordinary soil. Firm mix down with hands, or firmly with feet, then water in well. Planting mix should be a combination of, 1 part top soil or John Innes No.3, 1 part moist peat and 3 handfuls of Bonemcal per barrow load. A good sturdy stake is a necessity for the first year or two, until the tree has formed a good root system. You may be able to put the stake in upright with some trees, but usually with container trees a stake in the ground at a 50 degree angle to the tree, pointing roughly into the prevailing wind is best. The use of a proper tree tie is essential. When planting near other trees or buildings, consider the mature height of the tree. If the height is 4m then that is how far apart you plant the trees.
Aftercare-In the spring, place a mulch of rotted manure, garden compost, bark, peat or black polythene around the tree extending 18 inches around the stem. This keeps the weeds down which is essential to the health of the tree. Its a good idea to carry on mulching every spring through the trees life as well as feeding with Growmore fertiliser. Fruit trees are unfortunately targets for many soil and airborne pests and diseases, so the spraying of chemicals is often a necessity, winter washes in October and again in February-March are very important. Sprays of fungicides and insecticides in summer months to control mildew and insect problems are an option to maintain the best health of your tree. Always paint wounds with Arbrex Seal & Heal. No pruning is necessary unless it is to remove damaged or dead branches.
Product Code:PLAACERPLATANOIDESDRUMMONDII