Aesculus parviflora, commonly known as the Bottlebrush Buckeye, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its attractive white flower spikes that resemble bottlebrushes and its large, palmate leaves. This plant prefers temperate climates and goes dormant in the winter.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Aesculus parviflora, the bottlebrush buckeye or small-flowered buckeye, is a species of suckering deciduous shrub in the family Sapindaceae. The species is native to the southeastern United States, where it is found primarily in Alabama and Georgia, with a disjunct population in South Carolina along the Savannah River. Its natural habitat is in mesic forests, on bluffs and in ravines.
Aesculus parviflora grows to 2–4 m tall. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, palmately compound with 5-7 leaflets, each leaflet short-stalked, 12–22 cm long and 5–10 cm broad, with an entire margin. The flowers are produced in conspicuous erect panicles 20–50 cm long resembling a traditional bottle brush, each flower with a tubular calyx, small white petals, and several protruding 3–4 cm long stamens. The flowers give way to pear-shaped capsules containing polished, brown seeds.
The Latin specific epithet parviflora means “small-flowered”.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Bottlebrush buckeye grows well in partial shade. Plants growing in sunlight are usually less susceptible to disease, but too much sun exposure can burn plants, especially young plants.
Temperature and Humidity
Bottlebrush buckeye prefers moderate temperatures and a moist growing environment—keep temperatures between 50°F to 80°F.
Watering
Keep bottlebrush buckeye consistently moist when establishing its roots and throughout its growing season. Stop watering in the winter to help prepare the roots for dormancy. After young plants develop, the bottlebrush buckeye is relatively drought-tolerant but cannot sustain harsh summer heats without extra irrigation.
Soil
The best soil for bottlebrush buckeye is rich in nutrients, well-draining, and ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Bottlebrush buckeye has an extensive root system, so ensure a deep planting location for the plant to expand.
Fertilizing
Before planting, add organic fertilizer to the soil to create a nutrient-rich ground. Continue adding a monthly fertilizer to help young plants mature from spring to fall. Start with a 20-20-20 fertilizer and switch to a 10-30-20 to prepare the plant for colder temperatures. Mature plants do not need as much fertilization, typically two or three times a year.
Pruning
It is unnecessary to prune bottlebrush buckeye, but the best time is between late winter and early spring, as you are less likely to damage the plant. Light pruning in the fall can help remove diseased, damaged, or overgrown branches. Prune to enhance the health or size of the plant and promote its growth. Remove unnecessary branches to help promote better air circulation. Deadheading spent blooms can also help provide better air circulation while exposing the inner branches to the sunlight.
Propagation
Because it suckers, it’s an easy shrub to propagate by division in fall or winter. Here is how to propagate bottlebrush buckeye using suckers:
- Carefully dig around the sucker’s root and loosen the soil—be careful not to disturb the parent plant’s roots.
- Cut the sucker using sterile gardening shears from a healthy plant where it connects to the main branch.
- Return the parent plant without disturbing its roots and gently pack the surrounding soil.
- Using a sharp knife, trim the base of the sucker where it meets the main root.
- Remove the bottom half of the leaves or leafy shoots.
- Plant the sucker into moist, well-draining soil rich with organic matter such as compost or manure.
- Water deeply and use fertilizer if preferred during the time of planting.
How to Grow Cosmos From Seed
It’s easy to start from seed, but there’s a trick. You must harvest the seeds as soon as the seed husks open and drop to the ground—don’t wait until they dry out. Here’s how to grow bottlebrush buckeye from seed:
- Harvest the seeds from an existing plant or purchase them from a garden center. Place the seeds in a brown paper bag and leave them in a warm, dry location for a few days.
- Use a seed-starting tray to sow the seeds directly into moist, fertile soil or potting mix. Use your hands to loosen the soil and make holes a few inches deep.
- Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water deeply after planting.
- Cover the seed-starting tray with plastic wrap or a bag to increase the humidity and promote growth.
- Within two weeks, new growth will emerge. Continue growing seeds in full sun—at least six hours daily.
- Continue watering and add plenty of drainage soils until the plants are ready to move outdoors.
Overwintering
Prepare for winter by decreasing the frequency of watering to prepare for dormancy. Bottlebrush buckeyes need cold exposure in the winter to produce a healthy spring plant. Remove fallen leaves or branches around the plant to prevent pest infestations and diseases from establishing.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Pests such as Japanese beetles can become a problem for these plants by feeding on the leaves and stripping the branches bear. Keep plants weed-free to avoid beetle infestations, and hand-pick remaining pests if the problem persists.
While relatively disease-resistant, bottlebrush buckeye is susceptible to canker, leaf spot, anthracnose, rust, and powdery mildew. Maintain plenty of sun exposure and well-draining soil to prevent these diseases from developing.
Common Problems
Bottlebrush buckeye is an easy-to-grow plant, but some issues may present themselves from improper care. Here’s what you should know:
- Leaves Turning Yellow
The most common issue for yellowing leaves is nutrient deficiency. Yellowing leaves may begin at the plant’s base or top. Provide plants with a monthly fertilizer to maintain soil quality. Additionally, using a water-soluble fertilizer will help keep nutrient levels steady in young plants as they need consistent watering. Some diseases can also cause yellowing leaves, such as root rot fungus, which causes the plant to die back if not removed.
- Flower Wilting
Depending on the plant’s growing season, wilting flowers may be routine or caused by an unexpected environmental change. Deadheading can keep the plant healthy until the following season showing if flowers are spent and wilting after blooming. An unexpected drop in flowers can result from insufficient water, nutrient deficiencies, or water-logged roots. When watering the plant, water at the base and avoid wet leaves, as this increases the chance of a bacteria or fungus from developing. Dispose of damaged or diseased branches away from healthy plants.
III. Uses and Benefits
Bottlebrush Buckeye is excellent background plant for shady and moist areas, ideal as a specimen plant in a lawn, for hedges and screens or planted in groups in shrub borders and woodland gardens.
Find Where to Buy the Best Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora)
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