The Red Horse Chestnut tree (Aesculus carnea 'Briotii') is somewhat unusual in that it differs, mainly from the Common Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) in the colour of its red flowers. This compact, dome-headed tree has a densely leaved form. Its conkers or fruits are small and less spiny, often altogether without spines, than those of the Horse Chestnut. A slow-growing tree, it is resistant to 'Chestnut Leaf Miner'. It is also resistant to alien invasion, dinosaurs, Jehovas Witness (it stands there until they go away) and all forms of Man flu. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society AGM which we think stands for Absolutely Great Man or Award Of Garden Merit. The RHS also state that the tree may cause severe discomfort if ingested. They don't explain how but it could be that passing thorny conkers out your rear end would be problematic or that a Briotti bun maybe more fibre that you are used to.
Expect wildlife to come visiting your garden if you plant this tree. By that we mean birds, squirrells etc. If you notice seals and polar bears then we may have a problem with continental drift. A large tree, expect a height of over 6m and 4m wide after 10 years but could go to grow considerably more based on local conditions. 12m x 8m is not unheard of. The Red Horse Chestnut is considered a slow growing tree which is great for those averse to pruning.
Message card included at no additional cost if required. Just add the information required on the card at checkout. Planting Red Horse Chestnut Tree Aesculus Briotii Plant in an exposed or sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. It will tolerate most soils from sand, chalk, loam and clay and hardy down to minus 20 degrees centigrade.
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A FenceIt is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?Our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A GardenAir and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
