Mystic Ruby™ Buckeye

Mystic Ruby™ is a pinkish-red-flowering buckeye introduced by Johnson’s Nursery as Aesculus × bushii ‘Aaron1’. Its spring panicles, improved cold hardiness among red-flowering buckeyes, and cleaner late-season foliage distinguish it from typical horsechestnuts. ## Form and Landscape Use The oval deciduous tree suits a medium-sized landscape, a small shade-tree position, or a specimen planting. Johnson’s Nursery describes mature dimensions of 30–35 feet tall by 15–20 feet wide. A grower account by the cultivar’s co-introducer reports about 18 by 8 feet after 20 years, so mature size varies by site and age. Plant where the canopy has room to develop. ## Flowers and Growing Conditions Large pinkish-red panicles open in mid to late spring, attracting hummingbirds and several kinds of bees. Dark green foliage has better than average resistance to leaf blotch and scorch. Full sun to partial shade and well-drained, average soil suit the plant. The [Johnson’s Nursery profile](https://kb.jniplants.com/mystic-ruby-buckeye-aesculus-bushii-aaron1) provides landscape and care details; its cultivar identity and distinguishing traits are also recorded in the [plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP29092P2/en). The patent was issued on March 13, 2018. ## Maintenance Prune only as needed for structure, and do it during dormancy in late fall, winter, or early spring. Allow the tree to grow into its natural oval outline rather than shearing it.