Aesculus x neglecta 'AUTUMN FIRE'

Hybrid painted buckeye is a spontaneous cross of a. flava and a. sylvatica. It was first described in 1826 as a single tree imported from France, while very similar trees naturally occurred in the southeastern part of the USA, where they were named a. georgiana. This hybrid is shorter growing compared to its parent and has a slightly different colour.

Autumn Fire is an attractive variety of hybrid painted buckeye that boasts uniquely colored leaves in autumn. They are deciduous, large, palmately divided into 5 narrowly ovate to broadly lanceolate leaves. They emerge salmon pink in spring, mature to bright green in summer, and turn golden orange and red in autumn. From about mid May appear short, mostly erect inflorescences composed of small, tubular flowers combining pale tones of yellow, orange and salmon. In late summer ripen round capsules with round, inedible chestnuts with a glossy, dark brown skin.

Autumn Fire grows rather slowly, around 30 cm per year, into a well-branched, multi-stemmed tree between 5 and 7 meters in both height and width in maturity. The canopy is broadly umbrella-shaped to dome-shaped, and the large leaves provide an unusual texture. Flowering, although in pale colors, is abundant and regular, and will make a good contrast placed among other trees and shrubs flowering at the same time.

Aesculus x neglecta is not fussy about to soil quality. Grow it in evenly moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Provide a good support for newly transplanted trees for three years. Hardy to about -30 °C without any winter protection, perhaps a bit more - not yet tested.

Last update 27-06-2023