Hardy, deciduous, Eastern North American shrub Description: Panicles of bright red flowers in late spring, followed by smooth, rounded fruits in the fall; handsome, lustrous dark green foliage. Habit: Grows 6-8 feet high and wide; 'Humilis' is lower and more prostrate than the species, with smaller flowers. Culture: Prefers sun to part shade and moist, but well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 through 8 Origin: Garden Origin Attracts hummingbirds This lovely North American native was introduced into Europe by 1711. In 1798 Thomas Jefferson included the species, Aesculus pavia, in a box of plants sent from Philadelphia to his son-in-law Thomas Mann Randolph. Jefferson also intended it to be planted in the upper grove at Monticello amid his arboretum of catalpas, wild crab apples, horse chestnuts, and Pride of China (Chinaberry) trees. The Philadelphia nursery of John Bartram & Son offered Red Buckeye by the late eighteenth century. The lower-growing cultivar 'Humilis' was introduced circa 1826. This plant will ship bare root. 12" tall.Bare root planting tips: If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center. Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery. Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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