Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
|
|
Extension Communications |
7/29/04
Contacts:
Madeline Rothmayer, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-2710, mrothmay@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
For the week of July 26, 2004
A Summer Blooming Shrub: Bottlebrush Buckeye
By Madeleine Rothmayer
Reiman Gardens Intern
Iowa State University
In the spring, Iowans enjoy a profusion of color created by blooming crabapple, redbud and lilac trees. Afterwards, most generally expect the best summer blossoms to be found in gardens, but this is not always the case. Shrubs and trees that flower in mid-summer are rare and have a special value in the landscape. This weeks Reiman's Pick is a summer-blooming shrub called Bottlebrush buckeye.
Bottlebrush buckeye, Aesculus parviflora, belongs to the Hippocastanaceae family and is native to the southeastern United States. There are only 13 species in the Aesculus genus. Most are trees that produce large, often colorful blossoms in May or early June in the Midwest. In contrast, bottlebrush buckeye will bloom for several weeks beginning in July.
Like all the Aesculus species, bottlebrush buckeye has large, palmately compound leaves; that is, the leaflets are attached to the leaf stalk similarly to the way that our out-stretched fingers are related to the palm of our hand. Each leaf consists of five to seven leaflets four- to eight-inches long. The deep green leaflets are a lighter shade underneath and have a serrated margin. Bottlebrush buckeye grows from 8 to 15 feet in height. It is an upright, multi-stemmed shrub with many slender branches that form a wide, rounded crown.
The name parviflora means "small flower." However, that description refers only to the individual flowers that compose the showy panicles covering the bottlebrush buckeye. Each panicle is made of hundreds of lovely white, half-inch flowers with delicate red anthers inside. The panicles grow two to four inches wide and up to 12 inches in length. Their shape is reminiscent of a bottle brush, hence its common name.
The "buckeye" part of the name refers to the fruit that forms after the flower fades. The fruit is 2 to 3 inches in length with a light brown husk. The "buckeye" is the seed found inside the husks.
Although bottlebrush buckeye is showiest while in bloom, it makes a solid contribution to the landscape throughout the season. Its handsome, large leaves add texture and interest to the summer garden and later, the foliage can turn a clear yellow accenting the pallet of fall.
Because of its size and spreading habit, bottlebrush buckeye requires adequate room to grow. With a potential spread of 12 feet, it may be too imposing for a small garden. However, when used as a large specimen plant or massed in a border, it is a stunning focal point. Bottlebrush buckeye does best in full sun, but happily tolerates partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Bottlebrush buckeye naturally maintains a uniform, rounded form, however, it can be rejuvenated with heavy pruning in the spring.
When you visit Reiman Gardens, be sure to look for this handsome shrub in the Town and Country garden and throughout the gardens. It can't be overlooked when it is in bloom.
-30-
|
Editors: Two color photos, suitable for publication, are available at right. Click on each thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The top picture's fullsize photo is 428K and the bottom picture's fullsize photo is 608K. Caption: Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is a handsome shrub suitable for large sunny or semi-shaded areas. It produces beautiful, white "bottlebrush" shaped blossoms for several weeks in July. The deep green leaves add texture to the summer garden, then turn a clear yellow in the fall. |
 |
| Caption: Bottlebrush 2 |
 |