Buckeye or Bottlebrush Buckeye
Aesculus parviflora (HIPPOCASTANACEAE)
Planting and Growing Buckeye
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and fruit of buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye
- Growing conditions for buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye
- When and where to plant buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye
- How to plant buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye
- How to shape, prune and control growth of buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye
- Landscape uses of buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye
- Pest and disease control for buckeye or bottlebrush buckeye
Growing Buckeye
Several cultivars of fast-growing, open, spreading, deciduous shrubs, 8–12 ft. (2.4–3.7 m) tall and wide, with deep green, textured, rounded, 5–7-lobed, pointed leaves, 8–11 in. (20–28 cm) long, turning orange in autumn.
Horse chestnut, Aesculus species, is a closely related tree species with similar care needs.
Buckeye Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Many showy, white flowers, in upright, cone-shaped spikes, to 10 in. (25 cm) long, in summer, with leathery, round, scaly fruit, to 2 in. (50 mm) wide, in autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 4–10. Hardy. Best in long-season climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist to damp, well-drained, sandy loam. Fertility: Rich–average. 6.5–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun. Space 4–6 ft. (1.2–1.8 m) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep moist; allow soil surface to dry between waterings until established. Fertilize quarterly. Prune to shape. Propagate by cuttings, grafting, seed, suckers.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, backgrounds, screens in cottage, open, turfgrass, woodland gardens. Attracts hummingbirds. Drops flowers, fruit, leaves, requiring maintenance. Japanese beetle, tussock moth and anthracnose susceptible.
Warning:
Seed of Aesculus parviflora may cause stomach upset if eaten. Avoid planting in areas frequented by pets and children.