Bottlebrush Buckeye

Aesculus parviflora

Family: Sapindaceae

Description: Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is an exuberant North American shrub, well suited to woodland edges, or expansive shrub borders. Palmately compound leaves are tinged with red as they unfurl in spring, then settle into deep green with a tropical texture. In mid-July, when few other shrubs offer bloom, this shrub covers itself in upright panicles of tubular white flowers which sport enticing red anthers. Individual flowers are small but the effect of numerous 12” panicles over an 8-12’ shrub is of a cloud of white. It is beloved by pollinators and grows best in full sun in good garden soil. Allow plenty of room for it to sucker and spread. It is hardy in zones 4-8.

Key features:

• Type/Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub
• Key season and features of interest: Large, summer blooming shrub suited to woodland edges, woodland gardens and large shrub borders; showy panicles of white flowers
• Flowering Period: July
• Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
• Native? Yes
• Pollinator plant: Hummingbirds, honey and other bees
• Wildlife benefits: Nectar plant for bees and hummingbirds
• Site/condition tolerance: Average and wet soils; drought tolerant once established
• Sun/Shade preference: Shade to partial shade
• Soil condition preference: Moist, rich, well-drained
• Pest and disease resistant, easily grown

Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub which forms large thickets with time

Size (mature height and spread): 8’-12’ tall by 12’ or more wide

Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8

Nativity: Southeastern United States

Suggested Uses: Shrub border, native plant garden, naturalizing, rain garden

Year of award: 2018