bottlebrush buckeye
Aesculus parviflora
RHS AGM 1993, RHS Plants for Pollinators; GCA Plant of the Year 1999; MBG Plant of Merit 2001
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size8 to 12 feet tall8 to 15 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White with red anthers
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is a shrub for borders, specimen planting, and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. Tall white flower spikes with red anthers open in summer and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The shrub spreads by suckers, so give it room.
Pairs well with Smooth hydrangea, Cinnamon fern, and Joe Pye weed.
Native range
North America.