Red Horse-chestnut

Aesculus × carnea is a deciduous hybrid horse chestnut with a dense, rounded crown, bold palmate leaves and upright clusters of pink to scarlet flowers in spring. Its eventual size and seed litter suit large lawns, parks and broad streetscapes more than small residential spaces. ## Landscape character The hybrid combines common horse chestnut and red buckeye. New trees are more pyramidal, developing a broad, dense shade canopy as they mature. The University of Florida IFAS Extension reports typical heights and spreads in the 30–45-foot range; the RHS describes mature plants exceeding 12 m tall and 8 m wide. Flowers are showy and visited by bees and hummingbirds. Prickly seed capsules follow in fall, and both the fruit and other large litter can be a concern over paths or parking areas. Horse chestnut seeds are harmful if eaten. ## Siting and soil Plant in full sun or light shade in deep, moist but well-drained soil. The species tolerates a range of soil textures and slightly alkaline conditions, but performs poorly through prolonged drought; irrigate during dry periods. The RHS recommends this tree only where there is room for a large canopy. ## Maintenance Allow space for the mature crown and keep the trunk protected from sudden exposure to direct sun during early structural pruning. Monitor for leaf blotch, powdery mildew, scale and leaf-mining moths. Remove fallen seed capsules where they create a slipping or litter problem. See [N.C. State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aesculus-x-carnea/common-name/red-horsechestnut/), [UF/IFAS Extension](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST065) and the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/96712/aesculus-%C3%97-carnea/details) for species and care details.