Aesculus x carnea Briotti

Aesculus x carnea Briotii, also known as the Red Horse Chestnut, is a cross between Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye) and Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) which produces a Horse Chestnut with a very red/pink flower.

The Red Horse Chestnut was introduced in the late 1850s. It forms a rounded-shaped crown and is often planted to complement the white candle-like flowers of Aesculus hippocastanum as they tend to flower at the same time. 

In 2002, it was honoured with the Award of Garden Merit by the RHS. Aesculus x carnea Briotii displays foliage typical of the Aesculus Genus, featuring multiple leaflets per leaf, albeit in a darker shade of green. In May, it graces us with abundant, candle-like flowers in a lovely rosy pink hue, followed by small fruits. These fruits, less spiny than those of the Common Horse Chestnut, are not consistently produced by this particular Chestnut variety.

The Red Horse Chestnut is a tough performer, will thrive in a range of soil types and conditions (the ground must not be too dry, though) and is a welcome alternative to Aesculus hippocastanum as it is not so susceptible to pest infection.

The tree is best planted during the dormancy period, typically from mid-November to late April. However, the exact timing can vary depending on factors such as climate. This dormant season provides an optimal opportunity for tree establishment, as it allows it to settle into the new environment before the active growing season begins.

Mature height: 17-22m