How to Plant and Grow Bottlebrush Buckeye

2023-10-13
How to Plant and Grow Bottlebrush Buckeye

An uncommon plant with long seasonal interest, bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is a southern U.S. native shrub. It attracts swallowtail butterflies with its wands of white flowers that bloom in summer. It grows up to 12 feet tall, serving as a screen to separate the garden from unwanted views during the growing season.

Bottlebrush buckeye is toxic to humans and pets.

Bottlebrush Buckeye Overview

Genus Name Aesculus parviflora
Common Name Bottlebrush Buckeye
Plant Type Shrub
Light Part Sun, Shade
Height 8 to 12 feet
Width 10 to 15 feet
Flower Color White
Foliage Color Blue/Green
Season Features Colorful Fall Foliage
Special Features Low Maintenance
Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Propagation Seed, Stem Cuttings

Where to Plant Bottlebrush Buckeye

Plant bottlebrush buckeye in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. Select a location with partial shade and well-drained soil.

Use it as an understory plant in woodland gardens, as a specimen plant, or in a mixed border garden. This plant creates structure in the garden and landscape. Place it on the perimeter of perennial gardens to create a sense of enclosure and emphasize the plants within.

Another way to use this shrub is at the edge of wooded areas or in shady areas of the yard. Place bottlebrush buckeye shrubs in a shade garden, allowing perennials and other shorter plants to grow up to and around them.

How and When to Plant Bottlebrush Buckeye

Bottlebrush buckeye is best planted in spring or fall to avoid hot and dry summer weather in your location. Dig a hole twice as wide and with the same depth as the plant’s nursery container. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil removed from the hole. Water it and press down on the soil to remove any air pockets. Add 1 to 3 inches of mulch to the planting area but not touching the stem of the shrub. Provide supplemental water for the first year.

Space shrubs 8 feet apart for a solid border and 18 feet apart for a more spacious landscape design.

Bottlebrush Buckeye Care Tips

Light

Bottlebrush buckeye prefers partial shade and will grow in full shade. In partial shade, it produces more flowers.

Soil and Water

Plant in moist, well-drained soil amended with plenty of organic matter. Bottlebrush buckeye does not have particular pH requirements, it grows in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0).

Apply supplemental water to the new plants the first year, being sure that dry soil receives water. Bottlebrush buckeye is not drought-tolerant. Lack of rain and dry soil causes the shrub to droop and lose leaves. Avoid this situation by regular watering or relocating the plant to a partial shade location.

Temperature and Humidity

Bottlebrush buckeye enjoys warm growing temperatures and moderate-to-high humidity. It grows best in 50 to 80 degrees but tolerates a wider temperature range. However, in temperatures in the low 20s, the shrub suffers cold damage.

Fertilizer

Bottlebrush buckeye isn’t a heavy feeder and fertilization is unnecessary if the soil is amended with ample organic matter at planting time. If not, a monthly application of tree and shrub fertilizer from spring to fall will keep the shrub growing and blooming.

Pruning

Prune the shrub only to remove injured branches to avoid damaging the plant's natural form. Remove spent flower stalks only after flowering. Bottlebrush buckeye flowers on old wood, so prune soon after flowering before new buds form.

Pests and Problems

Bottlebrush buckeye is relatively disease resistant, but it is susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. Planting the shrubs in full sun and well-draining soil limits these diseases. It attracts Japanese beetles.

How to Propagate Bottlebrush Buckeye

Propagate this shrub by collecting seeds or taking softwood cuttings.

Seeds: Seeds should be gathered as soon as the seed pods drop to the ground. Don’t wait for them to dry out; dried seeds are less likely to be viable. Place the seeds in a brown paper bag in a warm, dry place for a couple of days, but plan to sow the seeds within a week of collecting them.

Sow the seeds in a 1-gallon nursery pot filled with seed-starting mix or potting soil. Space the seeds 2–3 inches apart and cover them with 1–2 inches of planting medium. Water immediately. Put the pot in a sheltered area where you can monitor it over the winter. The seeds will germinate in full sun in the spring, Transplant the seedling into the landscape when it has gained size and a robust root system.

Cuttings: Take 12-inch softwood stem cuttings in early summer. Remove all foliage except the very top and dip the cutting into rooting powder. Insert the cutting into potting soil, water well, and cover with a clear plastic bag. Check regularly to see that the soil remains moist, and mist the cutting every couple of days until new growth appears.

Types of Bottlebrush Buckeye

In addition to the species shrub, there is one cultivar of bottlebrush buckeye. Other plants share the common name bottlebrush but they belong to the Callistemon genus, which is botanically not related and in a different plant family than Aesculus.

‘Rogers’

Rogers bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora var. serotina ‘Rogers’) differs from the straight species by growing larger—up to 20 feet—and flowering three weeks later. Another difference is the length of the panicles, 18 to 30 inches as opposed to the 12 inches on the species.

Bottlebrush Buckeye Companion Plants

Solomon’s Seal

Solomon’s seal thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soil and shady areas, often under trees—think of woodland or shade gardens. Cool, humid, and shady locations are best. It grows to 6 feet tall and has green foliage that turns golden in autumn. Zone 3-9

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spp.) is a classic cottage garden staple that grows in shade or part sun and is quick to pop up in spring. These small plants grow to only 12 inches tall and hold their pink or white blooms above the foliage for a cheerful show. Zone 3-9

Hosta

The many varieties of hostas (Hosta spp.) are perfect additions to shade garden settings. They come in all sizes, and some varieties have showy, fragrant flowers, but these plants are known primarily for their spectacular foliage. Zone 3-9

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do deer eat bottlebrush buckeye?

    Deer are not particularly attracted to this shrub, but if they are hungry, they will browse this plant, so protect it when it is young.

  • Why is it called bottlebrush buckeye?

    When this shrub blooms in summer, it is covered in showy, white flower spikes that resemble a wire bottle brush.

Sources
Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.
  1. "Aesculus parviflora." North Caroline State University Cooperative Extension.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.