Platanus x hispanica Heijms

Platanus × hispanica Spartan® 'Heijms' is a plane tree selected to meet the demands of contemporary gardens: less bulky than the common plane tree, it offers a slender silhouette, colourful young shoots and beautiful bark. It is not very susceptible to diseases and is low-maintenance, including in urban areas. It thrives in full sun in any deep, well-drained soil, even dry, where it quickly forms a beautiful leafy column. An excellent variety for creating elegant rows or rhythmically structuring large gardens with a natural feel.

The Spartan® 'Heijms' Plane is a hybrid tree resulting from cross-breeding between Platanus occidentalis (the American sycamore) and P. orientalis (the Oriental plane), belonging to the Platanaceae family. It is distinguished by its fastigiate, naturally slender branches, a straight trunk and a very architectural pyramidal-columnar silhouette. When planted in the ground, it reaches a height of 10 to 12m with a width of 4 to 5m at 10 years of age, making it a moderate option compared to classic plane trees. Its growth is estimated at 50cm per year under favourable conditions. The root system of this tree is taprooted, deep and strong, giving it excellent stability. The deciduous foliage is composed of large orbicular leaves with rounded lobes, approximately 15 to 20cm in diameter. The young leaves are tinged with coppery bronze, then turn to light green before evolving to a deeper shade in summer. The foliage turns golden brown in autumn before falling. The tree produces small, yellowish-green, spherical inflorescences in spring. As with all plane trees, the male and female flowers are separate, but borne on the same tree. They are not noticeable, followed by bristly, globose, 2 to 3cm diameter fruits, which often persist on the tree throughout the winter.
The texture of the bark is another asset: when young, it has a smooth texture which then exfoliates, revealing light and dark patches that create a very decorative marbled effect all year round. This Spartan® cultivar is a hardy tree down to –15 / –20 °C. It also shows good tolerance to summer drought once well-established.
In terms of plant health, this plane tree shows increased resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew, two common diseases in plane trees. However, like the majority of hybrids, it can be susceptible to canker stain (Ceratocystis platani) in at-risk areas.

With its sleek silhouette, the Spartan® plane tree creates a vertical landmark in the garden. It can be used to line a driveway, frame a gateway or emphasise a perspective, alone or in an avenue. Its narrow crown allows it to be planted where a classic plane tree would be too invasive, including near a terrace, which it will shade. It pairs well with shrub hedges like boxwood or other boxwood alternatives in a formal garden. It is a tree that organises the space without overwhelming it.