Aesculus arnoldiana 'Autumn Splendor'
tree

Autumn Splendor Buckeye

Aesculus arnoldiana 'Autumn Splendor'

$185.00
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium-lived tree

Native To

Hybrid of North American natives

Toxicity

All parts, especially seeds, are poisonous if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Aesculus x arnoldiana is a hybrid buckeye (A. glabra x A. flava x A. pavia) known for its palmately compound leaves and upright panicles of flowers. These are tough, adaptable small to medium-sized trees. 'Autumn Splendor' is a superior selection noted for its glossy dark green foliage that is highly resistant to leaf scorch and leaf blotch, common problems in other buckeyes. It boasts brilliant, long-lasting maroon-red fall color.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesA superb ornamental tree offering large, attractive leaves, showy yellow flower panicles in spring, and most importantly, consistently spectacular deep red fall color. Its clean foliage is a major asset.
Practical UsesA tough and adaptable shade tree of moderate size, suitable for residential lawns and public spaces where larger trees won't fit.
Ecological BenefitsThe flowers attract hummingbirds and bees. The nuts, while toxic to humans, are eaten by squirrels.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm
Ships Year Round Free Shipping Available (Threshold: $150.00)
1+ Gal Pot
In Stock$185.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball.
  3. Set the tree in the hole so the root flare is at ground level.
  4. Backfill with the original soil and water thoroughly.
  5. Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture.
  6. Water regularly during the first few seasons to establish.

Pro Tip

Its superior disease and scorch resistance makes it a much better choice than the common horsechestnut for most landscapes.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide supplemental water during extended droughts.
  • Rake up fallen nuts in the fall to prevent unwanted seedlings.
  • Prune in late winter if needed to remove dead or crossing branches.

Don't

  • Do not plant in areas where children or pets might ingest the poisonous nuts.
  • Avoid waterlogged soils.
  • Don't require heavy fertilization.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mulch
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent medium-sized shade treeSpecimen tree for brilliant fall colorPark or large residential landscape tree

Companion Plants

Viburnum Hydrangea Hosta Geranium Rudbeckia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Splendor Buckeye questions

What zones can Autumn Splendor Buckeye grow in?

Autumn Splendor Buckeye is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Splendor Buckeye deer resistant?

Yes — Autumn Splendor Buckeye is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Autumn Splendor Buckeye bloom?

Autumn Splendor Buckeye typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Autumn Splendor Buckeye need full sun?

Autumn Splendor Buckeye does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Autumn Splendor Buckeye drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Autumn Splendor Buckeye handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Autumn Splendor Buckeye with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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