Bottlebrush Buckeye ( Aesculus parviflora)Horse Chestnut Family Bottlebrush Buckeye can be one of the most stunning plants in the woodland garden if given time--lots and lots of time. Like other buckeyes, they spend the first several years sending out their deep, thick taproot before spending much time on above ground growth. A 3-year old plant may only be 2-3' tall. It will likely be another 3 years before you see the first flower, but in 10+ years, you and the wildlife will be well rewarded for the long wait. This shrub prefers part sun to part shade conditions in rich, moist soil. It will adapt to more average soil, but may be slower to mature. Plants send out suckers over time, and when mature, can be quite large. When in full bloom, they are covered with pollinators of all sorts seeking out nectar in the showy blooms. Large, attractive fruits are ripe in late summer/early fall, but it will be a race between you and the squirrels to get to them. Planting more than one plant for cross-pollination will produce more fruit. Blooms:White, 4-6 weeks, June-JulyLeaves: Palmate, 3-8”, turn nice yellow in fallHeight: 6-10'Space: 10-15’Soil: Moist-Average soil, very adaptableExposure: Part sun-Part shade-ShadeFauna: Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, fruit for mammalsSeeds: Pear shaped 1-3” capsules hold shiny, dark brown seedsDeer Resistance: HighZone: 5-9Native Status: Al, GA, SCProvenance: Unknown, seed grown
