BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Bottlebrush buckeye
• Genus: Aesculus
• Species: parviflora
• Skill Level: experienced
• Exposure: full sun, partial shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: dry, moist, well-drained/light
• Height: 3m
• Spread: 5m
• Flowering period: July to August

Like all the North American chestnut species, this is commonly called Buckeye, a reference to the highly polished seeds or 'conkers', said to resemble the eyes of a deer. This species is a suckering species which will develop into a large bush if allowed, but with careful shaping will also make a handsome small tree which bears slim 30cm (12in) spikes of reddish white blooms for much of the summer. The typical chestnut leaves are an attractive bronze-green when young, and turn bright yellow in autumn. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).