Late-blooming Bottlebrush Buckeye

Aesculus parviflora var. serotina

$23.00 Sold out

| Hardiness Zones 4-9

Wide spreading, suckering, multi-stemmed open deciduous slow growing shrub. Overall shape is irregular almost stratified in appearance. White bottlebrush flowers appear in summer two to three weeks later than typical for the species. Medium to dark green leaves turn yellow in fall. Prefers moist well-drained soil amended with organic matter in full sun or part shade. Similar to A. parviflora but may get to be a larger plant. Use in shrub borders or large mass plantings. A vigorous grower. Seldom needs pruning but can be rejuvenated by pruning to the ground.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 4 - 9
  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, and Full Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained and Moist
  • Height at Maturity: 15 - 20 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 8 - 15 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Deciduous
Flower/Foliage

By early to mid-summer, Aesculus parviflora var. serotina unfurls its signature bottlebrush blooms—tall, upright spires reaching up to 18 inches long. Each flowering spike is packed with slender white blossoms, their delicate petals softened by the summer light.

Threaded throughout are vivid red to pink stamens, arching gracefully beyond the petals like fine filaments. This striking contrast gives the blooms a two-toned, almost painterly quality, with the red “antlers” catching the eye against the cloud of white.

Longer-blooming than the species, serotina holds its flowers well into the heart of summer, providing a welcome feast for hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees when little else is in bloom. It’s a quietly showy display—elegant, textured, and perfectly timed for the season’s peak.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

🌱 Planting Location

Choose a partially shaded to fully shaded site with protection from intense afternoon sun. Serotina thrives at the edge of woodland gardens, beneath tall trees, or in large shaded borders. This variety appreciates dappled sunlight but can tolerate more sun if the soil is consistently moist.

🌎 Soil Requirements

Prefers rich, loamy, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Amend poor or sandy soils with compost or leaf mold to improve organic content and water retention. Bottlebrush Buckeye tolerates clay but resents standing water.

  • Soil Acidity: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0)

💧 Watering

Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment (the first 2-3 years). Once mature, Serotina is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with regular deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

☀️ Light Requirements

  • Morning sun and afternoon shade
  • Full shade
  • Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, especially in hotter climates.

🍂 Growth Habit & Maintenance

This multi-stemmed, suckering shrub slowly forms dense colonies, making it a perfect large-scale naturalizer. ‘Serotina’ is prized for blooming 2-3 weeks later than the species, often extending the garden's summer interest.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. If shaping is necessary, prune after flowering. Remove suckers only if containment is desired.

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Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.