Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora)

Also known as: Dwarf buckeye

Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is a standout deciduous shrub, renowned for its stunning summer blooms. Here are its key characteristics and benefits for gardens and landscapes:

**Characteristics:**
1. **Eye-Catching Flowers:** Boasts impressive, white, bottlebrush-like flower spikes adorned with crimson and rosy stamens, blooming in early to mid-summer.
2. **Dense Foliage:** Features lush, dark green, palmate leaves that turn a striking yellow in the fall.
3. **Growth Habit:** Forms a dense, multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching 6-12 feet in height and width.
4. **Shade Adaptability:** Thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded garden areas.
5. **Hardy:** Generally resistant to pests and diseases, requiring minimal maintenance.

**Benefits:**
1. **Visual Interest:** Adds significant aesthetic value with its unique floral display and seasonally changing foliage.
2. **Wildlife Attraction:** Draws pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
3. **Erosion Control:** Its dense root system helps stabilize soil, making it useful for erosion-prone areas.
4. **Versatile Growth:** Adapts well to various soil types, from clay to sandy soils.
5. **Focal Point:** Ideal for use as a focal point in garden designs, providing a striking visual anchor.

With its exceptional blooms and adaptability, Bottlebrush buckeye is an excellent choice for adding beauty and ecological benefits to any garden or landscape.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Bottlebrush buckeye

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

1.8 m to 3 m

Spread

2.5 m to 4.5 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Bronze

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Bottlebrush buckeye

Quickly Identify Bottlebrush buckeye

Creamy white spidery flowers in 6-12 inch (15-30 cm) panicles with striking red anthers.

Oppositely arranged palmately compound leaves with 5-7 oblong leaflets, turning golden yellow in fall.

Distinctive pear-shaped fruit in smooth capsules with a polished brown seed and pale 'buck eye' scar.

Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub/tree, 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters) tall spreading 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 meters) wide.

Gray-brown stem with raised lenticels, 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm) in diameter, buds with 4 scales.

Scientific Classification of Bottlebrush buckeye

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Sapindales

Family

Soapberry

Genus

Buckeye

Species

Bottlebrush buckeye

Planting and Growing of Bottlebrush buckeye

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Bottlebrush buckeye?

The Bottlebrush Buckeye, scientifically known as Aesculus parviflora, should be watered thoroughly but not excessively. Aim for about 1500 milliliters of water per session, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but never waterlogged. The goal is to maintain an even moisture level by following the soak-and-dry method, where the soil is allowed to slightly dry out before watering again.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Bottlebrush buckeye? ›

What should I do if my Bottlebrush buckeye is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Bottlebrush buckeye? ›

How to save an overwatered Bottlebrush buckeye? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Bottlebrush buckeye?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Partial sun to full shade is ideal for Aesculus parviflora. Such conditions allow the plant to develop lush foliage and thrive without the risk of leaf scorching or significant stress.

What is the best location for Aesculus parviflora? ›

Why is avoiding full sun important for Aesculus parviflora? ›

How to achieve ideal light conditions? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Bottlebrush buckeye?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Aesculus parviflora thrives best in an environment where the temperature ranges from 60°F to 75°F. This range provides ideal conditions for its physiological processes, ensuring healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

What Soil is Best for Bottlebrush buckeye?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Aesculus parviflora thrives in soil that retains moisture yet remains well-drained. Proper moisture retention ensures the plant receives adequate hydration without risking root rot, which promotes healthy growth and lush foliage. This plant prefers a nutrient-rich soil composition, which can be achieved through organic matter like compost. An abundance of nutrients supports robust development and enhances the plant's resistance to diseases and pests. Soil with good aeration is crucial for Aesculus parviflora as it ensures ample oxygen reaches the roots, promoting efficient nutrient uptake and a stronger root system. This is particularly beneficial for supporting abundant flowering.

How to Fertilize Bottlebrush buckeye?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When applying fertilizer to Aesculus parviflora, ensure you use a balanced formula such as a 10-10-10 NPK ratio. During the growing season, apply about 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet to provide the necessary nutrients without overwhelming the plant.

How to Prune Bottlebrush buckeye?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by assessing the shrub for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These should be removed first to prevent the spread of diseases and to encourage healthy growth. Aesculus parviflora naturally forms a pleasing shape, but occasional shaping can improve air circulation and sunlight exposure, crucial for healthy development. Remove overly dense areas to improve light and air penetration. This helps in reducing the risk of disease and encourages robust flowering.

How to Propagate Bottlebrush buckeye plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Collect seeds from the plant after they mature in the autumn. Sow the seeds directly in potting containers or in the ground in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Ensure they are planted at a depth of 1 to 2 inches and maintain moisture by watering regularly.

For cutting propagation, choose a healthy branch and cut a piece approximately 6-8 inches long in early summer. Remove the lower leaves and apply rooting hormone to the cut end before planting it in a container with moist soil.

In spring, dig up a mature Aesculus parviflora plant and separate a healthy section of the root clump. Replant this division in a prepared area or pot, ensuring it is watered well initially to encourage root establishment.

How to Repot Bottlebrush buckeye plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Aesculus parviflora when you notice roots protruding from drainage holes or if the plant appears to be root-bound. Additionally, if the soil has degraded and is not retaining moisture efficiently, it's time to consider repotting. These signs usually indicate the plant needs more space or fresher nutrients.

Opt for a container that is slightly larger than the current one, with good drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. Using a pot only one or two sizes up prevents the plant from being overwhelmed with too much soil, which could retain excess moisture and lead to root rot.

Choose a well-draining loamy soil mix, which will help maintain adequate moisture while allowing excess water to escape. This soil type fosters healthy root growth and reduces the risk of root diseases, giving the plant a strong foundation to thrive.

Toxicity of Bottlebrush buckeye

Is Bottlebrush buckeye toxic to humans?

Every single part of the bottlebrush buckeye is infused with toxic glycosides and saponins, which can lead to severe health issues in humans. Moreover, this tree has the ability to absorb various harmful substances from the surrounding soil, including lead and pesticides, thus partially detoxifying the environment but simultaneously increasing their own toxicity levels. Ingesting substantial quantities of this plant can result in symptoms like loss of coordination, muscle spasms, agitation, depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, colic, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, paralysis, and in some cases, coma. There are instances when the nuts are mistakenly roasted and consumed by humans, contributing significantly to poisoning incidents. Additionally, small children and others with tendencies to place non-food items in their mouths pose a risk; therefore, it is crucial to keep them away from this hazardous plant.

Is Bottlebrush buckeye toxic to cat?

The bottlebrush buckeye presents a moderate toxicity concern for felines. While every component of the plant is poisonous, serious exposure generally happens when a cat eats considerable quantities of it. If a cat ingests any section of the bottlebrush buckeye, signs of physical distress could appear, necessitating urgent veterinary care. Since even minor toxins can significantly affect a cat's well-being, it is crucial to restrict access to bottlebrush buckeye and promptly pursue treatment at a veterinary facility if ingestion takes place.

Is Bottlebrush buckeye toxic to dog?

The bottlebrush buckeye presents a mild toxicity threat to dogs. Although this plant is not classified as highly toxic, consuming it in substantial amounts can result in poisoning. Dogs may find various sections of the plant appealing and may chew on them, as all parts are deemed toxic. Symptoms associated with poisoning from bottlebrush buckeye can include gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, or more serious indications depending on the quantity consumed. If you believe your dog has ingested bottlebrush buckeye, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary assistance to ensure appropriate treatment and management of any possible poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.