How to Grow Red Buckeye - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Red buckeye is a beautiful plant that is native to the eastern United States. It is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family and is related to the horse-chestnut. The red buckeye grows up to 30 feet tall and has large, glossy leaves. The plant's most distinguishing feature is its striking, red flowers which appear in late spring or early summer. The red buckeye is a popular ornamental plant and is often planted in gardens and parks.

How to Grow Red Buckeye - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Aesculus pavia
  • Aesculus rubra
  • Buckeye
  • Red buckeye
  • Scarlet buckeye

Common Knowledge

  • The scientific name for red buckeye is Aesculus pavia.
  • It is a member of the horse-chestnut family.
  • The tree is native to the southeastern United States.
  • It grows to a height of 30 to 40 feet.
  • The leaves are opposite, compound, and have five to seven leaflets.
  • The flowers are borne in showy, erect clusters and are bright red.
  • The fruit is a leathery, dark brown capsule that contains one or two seeds.
  • The tree blooms in April or May.
  • The wood is hard and heavy.
  • The tree is often used as an ornamental.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Planting Process

  1. For red buckeye, first step is to grow from seed.
  2. Start with fresh seed that is clean and free of debris.
  3. sow the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix
  4. Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep
  5. Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy
  6. When the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots
  7. Choose a planting spot in full sun to partial shade
  8. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost
  9. Plant the seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart
  10. Water regularly, especially during dry periods

Related plant:
Soapberry

Soil Condition

About soil condition, red buckeye prefers deep, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. It will tolerate full sun if given adequate moisture. Avoid dry soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including heavy clay. Prefers a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Light condition

Similar to other buckeye trees, the red buckeye needs full sun to partial shade in order to grow properly. This means that the tree should be getting at least six hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. If the tree is not getting enough sun, it will not produce as many flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for the red buckeye is warm. The plant grows best in temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature gets too hot or too cold, the plant will not do as well. The plant also needs a lot of water, so it is important to keep the soil moist.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. The plant will do well in lower or higher humidity, however, 50% is ideal. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to drop. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need much. In fact, too much nitrogen will result in lots of leaf growth but not many flowers. A general fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 applied according to the package directions in early spring is all that is needed. If you want to give the plant an extra boost, add some compost to the planting hole or top dress the area around the plant with an inch or two of compost in early spring. As for the roots, they are quite shallow so be careful when you are tilling or digging around the plant.

About light

Pruning is an important part of taking care of your red buckeye plant. It helps to keep the plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning your red buckeye plant, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf node.

The Propagation

Propagation for the red buckeye is best done through seed. The seeds should be collected in the fall, as soon as they mature, and sown immediately. If you cannot sow the seeds right away, store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant. The seeds will need to be stratified, or cold-treated, before planting. To stratify the seeds, place them in a moistened paper towel and store them in a sealable bag in the refrigerator for four to six weeks. Once stratified, plant the seeds in individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. Place the pots in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and the seeds should germinate within four to eight weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have found that the plant can add up to two feet of new growth in a single season. This makes the red buckeye one of the fastest-growing trees in North America. The reason for this rapid growth is the high number of leaves the tree produces. Each leaf is packed with a large amount of energy, which the tree uses to fuel its growth.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include foliar diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and anthracnose. These diseases can cause the leaves of the plant to become discolored and can eventually lead to leaf drop. The plant is also susceptible to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your red buckeye regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Fertilize your red buckeye every few months to keep it healthy and promote growth.
  • Prune your red buckeye plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Place your red buckeye in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Protect your red buckeye from strong winds to prevent damage.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that could affect your red buckeye, and take action immediately if necessary.
  • Harvest the buckeyes when they are ripe and dry them for later use.
  • Propagate your red buckeye through seedlings or cuttings to create new plants.
  • Use mulch around your red buckeye to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Enjoy the beauty of

You May Like

  • Red barberry (Berberis julianae)
  • Red birch (Betula lenta)
  • Red lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
  • Red sage (Salvia coccinea)
  • Red bay (Persea borbonia)
  • Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
  • Red mulberry (Morus rubra)
  • Red osier (Cornus stolonifera)
  • Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

Source:
Red Buckeye | UMD Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Red Buckeye | Oklahoma State University
Plants of Texas Rangelands ยป Red Buckeye, Pale Buckeye

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category