Aesculus hippocastanum 'Monstrosa'
horse chestnut 'Monstrosa'
A dwarf, deciduous tree with an irregular shape eventually reaching to around 3m tall. Branches are short, twisted, ridged and often fasciated; congested clusters of buds open to small, lobed leaves which turn brownish-yellow in autumn, and white flowers are borne in spring
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Brown Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Aesculus can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with showy flowers, palmately-lobed leaves and sometimes good autumn colour
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade; leaves may burn in full sun. A large tree so only suitable for large gardens
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings from early to midwinter or by chip budding from mid to late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to horse chestnut scale and leaf-mining moth
Diseases
May be susceptible to coral spot, canker, leaf spot and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.