Reference specimenAccession  SKU-01552

Aesculus pavia var. humilis

Dwarf Red Buckeye

At a glance
Type
Shrub
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 6–8 Feet · Spread 5–6 Feet
Growth rate
Slow
Seasonality
Deciduous
Aesculus pavia var. humilis, dwarf red buckeye, scarlet flowers on a low spreading shrub
Aesculus pavia var. humilis, Dwarf Red Buckeye at Woodlanders
A plant Woodlanders once offered on our catalogue

This variety is no actively in production in our propagation house and may not return to our catalogue. We maintain this page purely for reference and archival purposes. If you would like to grow this plant, tell us. Your interest helps guide what we bring back.

For a larger installation or commercial project, write hello@woodlanders.net.

A low, often half-prostrate form of the red buckeye, Aesculus pavia var. humilis keeps to a small, spreading shrub where the typical red buckeye grows into a small tree. The scarlet spring flowers come in smaller panicles, and in every other respect the plant follows the species: lustrous palmate leaves that break early, a love of moist, well-drained woodland soil, and the same magnetism for returning hummingbirds.

The dwarf habit makes this red buckeye a choice for the front of a border, a small native planting, or a woodland edge where the full-sized form would crowd. Plant in sun to part shade, give organic, well-drained soil, and let the low frame spread. Like every buckeye, the seeds and young growth are poisonous, so keep the bright seeds away from children and livestock.

Design Notes

A dwarf native for the front of a border, a small native planting, or a woodland edge where the full-sized red buckeye would crowd. The low, spreading frame carries the same scarlet spring flowers and hummingbird draw on a much smaller scale. Plant in sun to part shade, and keep the poisonous seeds clear of children and livestock.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Smaller scarlet panicles in spring

Flowers. Smaller panicles of tubular scarlet flowers in spring, early nectar for hummingbirds and bees. Foliage. Lustrous palmate leaves of five leaflets, breaking early like the species. Habit. A low, often half-prostrate shrub, much smaller than the tree-like typical red buckeye; seeds are poisonous if eaten.

Care

Light. Full sun to part shade; afternoon shade helps in the hot South.

Soil. Moist, well-drained, organic soil; dislikes drought and standing water.

Water. Water through establishment; settled plants take ordinary moisture, with early leaf drop normal in dry late summers.

Pruning. Little needed; remove dead wood after flowering.

Hardiness. USDA zones 5 to 9.