Care of the tree Aesculus x carnea or Red horse-chestnut |
The genus Aesculus, family Sapindaceae, comprises 15 species of trees and shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Some species and hybrids are: Aesculus x carnea, Aesculus indica, Aesculus hippocastanum, Aesculus californica. Common names: Red horse-chestnut, Ruby Red Horse Chestnut. It is a hybrid between the Aesculus hippocastanum and Aesculus pavia species. They are deciduous trees or shrubs with a dense crown that reach 12 meters (39.37 feet) in height. The palmate leaves are formed by 5 leaflets of lustrous green color on the upper side and light green on the underside. The showy pink flowers appear on erect spikes. They bloom in summer. The fruits are spiny capsules. Red horse-chestnut is used as isolated specimens in large gardens and to form rows in public parks and streets. Aesculus x carnea grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. It resists frost down to -20 ºC (-4 ºF). The soil can be a normal, well-drained garden soil with coarse sand that contains abundant organic matter. Planting is done in early spring or autumn. Water regularly so that the substrate always remains slightly damp; they do not withstand prolonged drought or flooding. Fertilize in autumn with compost or manure. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact appearance. Aesculus x carnea is a plant sensitive to fungal attack if there is excess humidity. Ruby Red Horse Chestnut is propagated from seeds sown in spring and by grafting. |
Images of the tree Aesculus x carnea or Red horse-chestnut |