Aesculus x carnea 'BRIOTII' red horse chestnut

Red horse chestnut is a fantastic tree which is usually planted in large gardens and parks, and as a street tree. Although, this hybrid grows a little slower (30 cm a year) making some 6x4m when 20 years old.

Briotti is a popular variety with big, upright panicles of deep pink flowers with a distinct yellow throat, and blooms in May for nearly a month. The flowers sit in the tree like candles on a Christmas tree. Fruits are well-known chestnuts, hidden in spiny capsules.

Glossy leaves are palmate, dark green and fortunately fully or at least more resistant to chestnut leaf minor (cameraria ohridella), i.e. insect which starts eating the leaves of the parent species beginning of summer and by the end of August all leaves are rusty brown and dead. Pruning is recommended if you want to keep it smaller, do so at the end of winter.

The crown is pyramidal when young, changing to somewhat rounded with age, more compact than its parent, casting a deep shade. This chestnut likes deep and fertile soil but will grow almost anywhere, even in slightly chalky soil. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5) but is expected to cope with lower temperatures, too.

Last update 20-01-2008.