Aesculus parviflora is a striking deciduous shrub known for its showy summer blooms and bold tropical looking foliage. It produces long upright panicles of white flowers with prominent red anthers that attract pollinators. In autumn, its deep green leaves turn a warm yellow providing multi season interest. Often called the bottlebrush buckeye this shade tolerant shrub is a dramatic focal point in woodland gardens.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 ft x 10 - 15 ft
Bloom Time: July to August
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil with high organic content
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; benefits from consistent moisture in summer
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant once established
Native Status
Native to the southeastern United States, particularly in rich woodland soils of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to bumblebees and long tongued native bees seeking mid summer nectar.
Butterflies
- Draws Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Spicebush Swallowtails to its large fragrant blooms.
Hummingbirds
- Occasional visitor for nectar in tubular flowers during peak bloom.
Birds
- Provides shelter for songbirds and its seeds may be cached by squirrels though not widely eaten by birds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 10 - 15 ft apart to accommodate mature spread and allow for air circulation.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal as a focal point in shaded lawns, at the edge of woodlands, or massed along stream banks for dramatic summer bloom displays.
Companion Plants
- Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) - Large white panicles echo the summer blooms and foliage texture blends beautifully.
- Itea virginica 'Henrys Garnet' - Cascading white racemes and burgundy fall color complement the aesthetic of Aesculus.
- Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) - Mid to late summer fragrance and pollinator activity pair well with Aesculus blooms.
- Hosta 'Empress Wu' - Massive leaves add bold texture contrast beneath the airy panicles of the bottlebrush buckeye.
- Fothergilla major - Fragrant spring blooms and brilliant fall color extend the seasonal interest of woodland plantings.