Aesculus carnea
Aesculus × carnea, commonly known as the Red Horse Chestnut, is a striking deciduous tree featuring dense, dark green foliage and stunning upright clusters of pink to red flowers in late spring. These flowers are a magnet for pollinators and provide a vibrant display against the tree’s rich canopy. Its rounded shape and moderate growth rate make it an excellent choice for gardens or as a feature in larger landscapes.
This tree is well-suited to cottage gardens, formal settings, or as a shade tree in parks and spacious lawns. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Ensure plenty of space for its spreading canopy, with planting intervals of at least 6–8 metres from other large trees.
Mature size: Reaches up to 10–15 metres in height and 8–12 metres in width, forming a broad, rounded crown.
Trimming: Prune Aesculus (horse chestnut) trees during late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as this may stress the tree and encourage disease.
Fertilising: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Watering: Provide deep watering during prolonged dry spells, particularly for young trees or newly planted specimens. Established trees typically require minimal watering.
Pest Control: Watch for pests like leaf miners and aphids. Leaf miner damage appears as brown or translucent blotches; control severe infestations with appropriate insecticides.
Disease Management: Monitor for signs of leaf blotch (brown patches) and bleeding canker (dark, oozing lesions on the bark). Remove and dispose of infected leaves promptly to reduce spread, and consult an arborist for severe cases of canker.
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For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
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