Bottlebrush buckeye is a native shrub with feathery white flowers that attract butterflies.
It attracts swallowtail butterflies with its wands of white flowers that bloom in summer.
Bottlebrush buckeye is toxic to humans and pets.
Credit:Robert Cardillo
Robert Cardillo
Where to Plant Bottlebrush Buckeye
Plant bottlebrush buckeye inUSDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.
Select a location with partial shade and well-drained soil.
This plant creates structure in the garden and landscape.
Credit: Kindra Clineff
Place it on the perimeter of perennial gardens to create a sense of enclosure and emphasize the plants within.
Dig a hole twice as wide and with the same depth as the plants nursery container.
Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil removed from the hole.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Provide supplemental water for the first year.
Space shrubs 8 feet apart for a solid border and 18 feet apart for a more spacious landscape design.
Bottlebrush Buckeye Care Tips
Light
Bottlebrush buckeye preferspartial shadeand will grow in full shade.
Credit:Blaine Moats
In partial shade, it produces more flowers.
Soil and Water
Plant in moist,well-drained soilamended withplenty of organic matter.
Apply supplemental water to the new plants the first year, being sure that dry soil receives water.
Bottlebrush buckeye is not drought-tolerant.
Lack of rain and dry soil causes the shrub to droop and lose leaves.
Avoid this situation by regular watering or relocating the plant to a partial shade location.
Temperature and Humidity
Bottlebrush buckeye enjoys warm growing temperatures and moderate-to-high humidity.
It grows best in 50 to 80F but tolerates a wider temperature range.
However, in temperatures in the low 20s, the shrub suffers cold damage.
Pruning
Prune the shrub only to remove injured branches to avoid damaging the plant’s natural form.
Remove spent flower stalks only after flowering.
Bottlebrush buckeye flowers on old wood, so prune soon after flowering before new buds form.
Planting the shrubs in full sun and well-draining soil limits these diseases.
How to Propagate Bottlebrush Buckeye
Propagate this flowering shrub by collecting seeds or taking softwood cuttings.
Seeds:Seeds should be gathered as soon as the seed pods drop to the ground.
Dont wait for them to dry out; dried seeds are less likely to be viable.
Sow the seeds in a 1-gallon nursery pot filled withseed-starting mixor potting soil.
Space the seeds 23 inches apart and cover them with 12 inches of planting medium.
Cuttings:Take 12-inchsoftwood stem cuttingsin early summer.
Remove all foliage except the very top and dip the cutting into rooting powder.
Insert the cutting into potting soil, water well, and cover with a clear plastic bag.
Cool, humid, and shady locations are best.
It grows to 6 feet tall and has green foliage that turns golden in autumn.
Zone 3-9
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart(Dicentraspp.)
Zone 3-9
Hosta
Blaine Moats
The manyvarieties of hostas(Hostaspp.)
are perfect additions to shade garden options.
Zone 3-9
Frequently Asked Questions
Deer are not particularly attracted to this shrub.
No, this plant is not considered aggressive or invasive.
Although it can grow up to 15 feet wide, it is a slow growing shrub.
Yes, they are drawn to the fragrant flowers of this plant.
“Aesculus parviflora.”
North Caroline State University Cooperative Extension.
