Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush Buckeye)


Michael's Opinion

An excellent often overlooked shrub for the larger landscape. Although it should not be planted in a prime position since when it is out of flower it is not very striking. That said I seldom see it where it could be used best; large institutional or commercial settings where it has room to achieve its full form. There are few landscape shrubs that are as worthy especially in July.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Hippocastanaceae)
GenusAesculus
Speciesparviflora
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginSouth-Eastern United States.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 8(9)
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-29 - (-23)
Temperature (°F)-20 - (-10)
Height3 m
Spread5 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJuly

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA shrub that has many of the characteristics of the Aesculus clan, but is quite broad spreading. Covered in upright white panicles in July.
ID CharacteristicThis plant is easily identified by its broad spreading form in concert with the typical Aesculus leaves.
ShapeBroad spreading, often wider than tall.
PropagationThe seed is recalcitrant and should be sown in a moist medium soil immediately upon collection. Root cuttings collected in the autumn and cut into 50 mm lengths and insert vertically into pots or flats bareley covering the top. Water and place in a cold frame until growth appears and then pot individually.
CultivationGiven well drained, good garden soil the plant should thrive. It is best grown in full sun where its full form can be showcased, however it will tolerate partial shade. It can be pruned severely to rejuvenate it.
PestsIt does not seem to suffer from the dreaded leaf blotch that is the bane of many of the Aesculus.
Notable SpecimensThe University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. The A. M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatWoodlands and forest margins.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth dark grey twigs.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionGlobose buds, small to 7 mm and often resinous,
Leaf DescriptionLarge to 15 cm across, palmate, five lobed but can be up to seven, dark green above and glaborous below,
Flower DescriptionLarge white panicles to 20 cm, held above the foliage in July.
Fruit DescriptionA small deformed pear shaped capsule, that appears somewhat pendulous when seen on the plant. Seed is uncommon on the plants I know.
Colour DescriptionIn some years the autumn colour can be good, a pale yellow, but not reliably so.
Texture DescriptionA medium textured plant.

Photographs