Shade banana (Platanus hispanica)

The shaft Platanus x hispanica It is often planted in streets and gardens as it provides cool and very pleasant shade. In addition, it has some tolerance to pollution, and can grow well in poor soils. However, it has a major drawback and that is that its pollen is an allergen that causes sneezing, itching and tearing in sensitive people, which is why if you are one of them you should not go near it when it is in flower.

But what is this tree like? What are its characteristics and what do you need to be completely healthy?

Origin and characteristics of Platanus x hispanica

It is a deciduous tree known as shade banana or hybrid banana, which could be a cross between platanus orientalis y Platanus occidentalis. It reaches a height of 20 meters, although it can reach 30 meters. It develops a straight and robust trunk, with greenish bark which, when peeled off, leaves reddish and yellowish spots on the inner bark.

The leaves have a certain resemblance to those of some maples, which is why it could be confused with one. Are they are palmate, with 5 lobes whose margins are toothed. The nerves are greenish-yellow. They measure about 20 centimeters long by 30 centimeters wide, and in autumn or winter -depending on the climate in the area- they turn yellow before falling to the ground.

Its male and female flowers are found on the same tree, since it is monoecious. These are grouped in inflorescences and usually sprout at the same time as the leaves. The fruits are grouped in infructescencesThey are rounded and measure approximately 1-2 centimeters. These contain small seeds.

What uses is it given?

Al Platanus x hispanica there is only one use for it: ornamental. It is an ideal tree to have in large gardens, or as part of urban trees. It provides shade, and as we will see below, it is not demanding.

How do you take care of the shade banana?

If you would like to have a copy of Platanus x hispanica In your garden, you have to try to put it in a place where it can grow well, since it is a large tree that can only prosper without problems in places where the climate is temperate, where there are four different seasons.

Location

Since it is a tree that can become very large, it is advisable to plant it in the ground as soon as possible. Thus, it will be able to grow and develop better, since it will not have the limited space it would have if it were kept in a pot.

But also it must be placed in a sunny area and at a distance of about ten meters from the pipes as well as from pavements, otherwise it would cause problems.

Earth

The shade banana is not demanding; Nevertheless, will vegetate best in fertile soils, that is, in those that are rich in organic matter. It tolerates limestone without problems.

If it is going to be in a pot, either because it is still very young or because there is still nowhere in the garden to plant it, it can be planted in one with a universal cultivation substrate such as this. But yes, this pot must have holes in its base so that the water can come out.

Irrigation

It is a tree that does not resist drought, but it is not one that has to be watered frequently either. In general, in summer we will water about 3 times a week, or 4 if we see that the land dries quickly; and less the rest of the year.

Every time we water we will pour the water on the earth until it looks soaked. In order to take better advantage of it, if it is a tree that is on the ground, we can make a pit - a kind of low barrier, about 5 centimeters or less - with the same soil from the garden around the trunk.

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It does not hurt to pay the Platanus x hispanica from when the leaves sprout in spring, until the end of summer. During that time it is growing, and therefore is when it needs the most nutrients. Hence, it is highly recommended to add a little powdered or granulated manure from herbivorous animals, following the instructions on the package, if any, or by adding one or two handfuls -depending on the size of the plant: the larger, the more there will be. throw-.

In the event that it is in a pot, it will be better to fertilize it with a universal liquid fertilizer (for sale here), or with a natural liquid fertilizer such as guano or algae extract, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Pruning

If required, you can prune it in late winter. Remove dry and broken branches, and cut back any that have grown too long. But it is important to use previously disinfected and clean tools to avoid the transmission of diseases.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds and cuttings in spring.

Rusticity

Resists frost up to -18ºC.

What did you think of the Platanus x hispanica?