Bottlebrush Buckeye
Aesculus parviflora
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
144 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium to wet
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high
Lifespan
Very long-lived shrub, 50+ years
Native To
Southeastern United States
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Aesculus parviflora is a suckering, colony-forming shrub with large, palmate leaves. It is highly regarded for its ornamental qualities, including showy summer flowers and attractive form. This species is celebrated for its erect, 12-inch cylindrical panicles of white flowers with conspicuous red anthers and pinkish filaments, resembling bottlebrushes, which appear in mid-summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in part shade with moist, rich soil.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
- Gently tease out circling roots before placing in the hole.
- Backfill with soil, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
- Water deeply and consistently, especially the first year.
- Apply organic mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
Pro Tip
Give it plenty of room to spread; it forms a large, impressive colony over time via root suckers.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially in sunnier locations.
- Allow ample space for it to naturalize and form a colony.
- Mulch annually with leaf mold or compost.
- Prune out any dead or damaged wood in early spring.
Don't
- Do not plant in dry, exposed, or windy sites.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
- Do not ingest any part of the plant as it is poisonous.
- Avoid planting in alkaline soils.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bottlebrush Buckeye questions
What zones can Bottlebrush Buckeye grow in?
Bottlebrush 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 Bottlebrush Buckeye deer resistant?
Yes — Bottlebrush Buckeye is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Bottlebrush Buckeye bloom?
Bottlebrush Buckeye typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bottlebrush Buckeye need full sun?
Bottlebrush Buckeye does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Aesculus to compare
Fort McNair Red Horse Chestnut
Aesculus carnea 'Fort Mcnair'
Briotii Red Horsechestnut
Aesculus carnea 'Briotii'
Red Buckeye
Aesculus pavia
Early Glow Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra 'Early Glow'
Yellow Buckeye
Aesculus flava
Autumn Splendor Buckeye
Aesculus arnoldiana 'Autumn Splendor'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Bottlebrush 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.
