Aesculus turbinata

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese horse chestnut
Trees

A large broad-crowned, deciduous tree to 20m tall, with large leaves consisting of 5-7 leaflets, turning yellow-brown early in autumn. Flowers are creamy-white with a red spot in panicles 15-20cm tall, in early to mid-summer. The fruit are roughly pear-shaped, 5cm across with few or no spines

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Correct
Plant Range
Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; only suitable for large gardens. For further information, see our advice on tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to horse chestnut scale and leaf-mining moth

Diseases

May be susceptible to coral spot, canker and leaf spot