2 named cultivars

tree

Red Horsechestnut

The Story

Plant Bio

Aesculus x carnea, the red horse chestnut, is a dense rounded deciduous tree of hybrid origin raised in Europe, reaching thirty to forty feet with a spread of twenty-five to thirty-five. Coarse palmate leaves cover a heavy branch framework, and upright panicles over six inches long carry funnel-shaped rose-pink flowers in late spring.

It is far less prone to the leaf blotch and scorch that disfigure common horse chestnut by midsummer, which is the main reason to choose it. The prickly seed pods contain glossy brown conkers that are toxic if eaten, and a mature tree drops a great many of them, so think carefully before planting over a path, drive or play area.

Uses & Benefits:

Large upright panicles of rose-pink flowers in late spring on a dense, well-proportioned crown.

Holds clean foliage far later into the season than common horse chestnut, and casts deep summer shade.

Bees and hummingbirds work the flowers, and small mammals take the fallen seed.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

390 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden hybrid raised in Europe

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic if eaten

Planting

How to Grow

Allow twenty-five to thirty-five feet of spread.
Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, drained soil.
Keep it away from paths, drives and play areas.
Water deeply through the first few summers.
Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch off the trunk.
Prune only to remove dead or crossing wood.

Pro Tip

It holds clean foliage into autumn where common horse chestnut is brown by August — that resistance is the reason to plant it.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow it thirty feet of spread 📏
Plant it well clear of paths 🚶
Mulch the root zone each spring 🍂
Water deeply while establishing 💧

Don't

Plant it over a drive or play area ❌
Let anyone eat the conkers ❌
Prune it heavily; it heals slowly ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clear
Mulch

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Large lawn or parkland specimenStreet and avenue planting where space allowsLate spring flowering feature

Companion Plants

Daffodil Hellebore Wood Anemone Epimedium Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Horsechestnut questions

What zones can Red Horsechestnut grow in?

Red Horsechestnut 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 Red Horsechestnut deer resistant?

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

When does Red Horsechestnut bloom?

Red Horsechestnut 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 Red Horsechestnut need full sun?

Red Horsechestnut does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.