Maintenance Landscaping Design

Bottlebrush buckeye is a flowering plant in the genus Aesculus. The species is native to the southeastern United States, where it is found in woodlands and floodplains. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 6 m (20 ft) tall, with opposite, palmately compound leaves with five leaflets. The flowers are borne in panicles of 10-20, each flower with a white corolla with a long red or orange pistil. The fruit is a smooth, spiny capsule containing three nuts.

Also called

• Buckthorn
  
• Buckthorn bush
  
• Buckbrush
  
• Buckthorn tree
  
• Buckthorn hedge

Good to Know

• The bottlebrush buckeye is a showy, deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern United States.
  
• It typically grows to 6-12 feet tall and wide.
  
• The leaves are oblong to lanceolate, 6-8 inches long, and have serrated margins.
  
• The inflorescences are large, cylindrical, and brush-like, consisting of many small, white flowers.
  
• The bottlebrush buckeye blooms in late spring to early summer.
  
• The fruits are small, brown capsules that contain shiny, black seeds.
  
• The bottlebrush buckeye is often planted as an ornamental shrub due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
  
• It is also a popular choice for hedges and screens.
  
• The bottlebrush buckeye is relatively pest and disease resistant.
  
• It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade.

Planting Process

1. For bottlebrush buckeye, first step is to grow the buckeye in full sun to part sun. The plant does best in moist, rich soils but can tolerate some dryness.
   
2. Amend the planting area with organic matter such as compost or manure to help with drainage and moisture retention.
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
   
4. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
   
5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
   
6. Water the plant deeply to settle the soil and encourage roots to grow.
   
7. Fertilize the buckeye monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-
   
8. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and encourage new growth.
   
9. Protect the plant from severe cold in the winter by covering it with a burlap sack or other fabric.
   
10. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of the bottlebrush buckeye in the spring!

Related plant:
Little John Bottlebrush

The Soil

About soil condition, the bottlebrush buckeye prefers moist, well-drained soil but will tolerate less-than-ideal conditions, including clay soil. It is not tolerant of salt, so it is best to avoid sites near roadways where de-icing salt is used. The bottlebrush buckeye does not like to be transplanted, so it is best to choose its planting site carefully.

Light condition

So, like the other buckeye trees, the bottlebrush buckeye prefers full sun. It will also do well in partial sun, but it may not flower as much. The bottlebrush buckeye is a native of the southeastern United States. It grows in zones 5-9.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the bottlebrush buckeye is a bit cool. This plant does not like it too hot or too cold. The best temperature for this plant is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. If you are having trouble keeping the humidity at the right level, you can try misting the plant with water.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this kind of plant need full sun and well-drained soil, also need more water when they are in growth period. They are not drought tolerant. When you are planting, you should use a general-purpose fertilizer and water it deeply. The best time to water them is in the morning, so the leaves can dry before nightfall. If the leaves stay wet overnight, they are more likely to develop fungal diseases.

About light

Pruning your bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is an important step in keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. You'll want to prune away any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can prune your bottlebrush buckeye in the spring or summer.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is usually by seed, which can be sown in spring or fall, preferably after stratification. Sow seed 1/4 inch deep in a moist, well-drained soil mix. The seed will germinate in one to two months at 75 degrees F. Transplant seedlings to individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on for the first year. After that, they can be planted out in the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the growing conditions. In areas with hot, humid summers and winters with little or no snow cover, the bottlebrush buckeye can grow up to 3 feet per year. In cooler areas with adequate snow cover, growth may be only 1 foot per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are generally fungal diseases, such as leaf spot, stem cankers, and powdery mildew. These can be controlled with fungicide sprays. Insect problems are generally not a major problem for this plant, but aphids, scale, and whiteflies can occasionally be troublesome.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your bottlebrush buckeye plant regularly. It is a fast grower and needs lots of water to stay healthy.
  
• When pruning your bottlebrush buckeye, be sure to cut back to a node (a point on the stem where leaves are attached).
  
• Fertilize your bottlebrush buckeye plant once a month during the growing season.
  
• Place your bottlebrush buckeye in an area that receives full sun for best growth.
  
• If you live in an area with cold winters, you will need to protect your bottlebrush buckeye plant. Move it indoors or wrap it in burlap.
  
• When the spring arrives, be sure to give your bottlebrush buckeye a good haircut. This will encourage new growth.
  
• If you want your bottlebrush buckeye to produce flowers, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized.
  

Alternative Plants

• American buckeye (Aesculus glabra)
  
• Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
  
• Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
  
• Yellow buckeye (Aesculus octandra)
  
• Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra)
  
• White buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica)
  
• Western buckeye (Aesculus californica)
  
• California buckeye (Aesculus californica)
  
• Red horse-chestnut (Aesculus carnea)
  
• Bottlebrush tree (Buxus microphylla)

Source:
Bottlebrush Buckeye | UMD Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Bottlebrush Buckeye - Aesculus parviflora | North Carolina …
POTW: Bottlebrush Buckeye: University of Illinois Extension