horse chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size50 to 75 feet tall40 to 65 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White with red or yellow markings
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a tree for pollinator gardens and low maintenance landscapes. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. White flowers with red or yellow markings attract bees, birds, and hummingbirds. It is not a favorite of rabbits, though hungry rabbits will eat almost anything. Give it plenty of space, since it can reach 50 to 75 feet tall.
Pairs well with Small-leaved lime, Sweet cherry, Little Beauty tulip, and Ox-eye daisy.
Native range
Europe, Central Asia, NW. Balkan Pen., and Türkiye.