Featured

Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

New arrivals

What we're loving now

Gifts

Perennials

Trees

Shrubs

Conifers

Ferns

Succulents

Grasses / grass like

Groundcovers

Vines

Herbs, fruits & vegetables

Annuals & Biennials

Bamboos

Palms & cycads

Garden vibe

Flower and fruit colors

Foliage colors

Soil types

Water needs

Gardening with wildlife

Special situations

Sun exposure

Houseplants

Spring flowers

Summer flowers

Fall flowers

Colorful fall foliage

Winter flowers

Winter interest

Evergreens

Distinctive bark

Shop nurseries with current availability

California & southwestern nurseries

Oregon nurseries

Washington nurseries

Midwest nurseries

Northeast nurseries

Southern nurseries

Nurseries outside of the US

Garden Educators

All new arrivals

Perennials

Ferns

Cacti and succulents

Groundcovers

Bulbs, corms and tubers

Epimediums (Fairy Wings)

Hamamelis (Witch Hazels)

Helleborus (Hellebores)

Hostas

Hydrangeas

Acers (Maples)

Magnolias

Gift cards

Air plants

Succulents

Houseplants

All Perennials

Aquatic

Aroids

Bulbs/corms/tubers

All trees

Deciduous

Evergreens

Conifers

Broadleaf

Broadleaf evergreens

Street trees

Fragrant trees

Flowering trees

All shrubs

Deciduous

Evergreens

Conifers

Broadleaf

Broadleaf evergreen

Green flowers

Blue & purple flowers

Black flowers

White flowers

Pink flowers

Red flowers

Orange flowers

Yellow flowers

All conifers

Trees

Shrubs

Groundcovers

Dwarf conifers

Variegated

Rosy tones

Blue / silver foliage

Green foliage

Gold & chartreuse

All ferns

For shade

For sun

Tree ferns

Variegated

Blush tones

Gold and chartreuse

Green

Blue

All cacti & succulents

Hardy cacti & succulents

All bromeliads

For sun

For shade

Houseplants

Variegated

Blush tones

Green

Golds & chartreuses

Silvers / blues

All grasses / grass-like

For sun

For shade

Evergreens

Deciduous

Variegated

Blush foliage

Purple, brown & black foliage

Gold and chartreuse foliage

Green foliage

Blue foliage

All groundcovers

Evergreen

Deciduous

Succulents

For sun

For shade

All vines

For sun

For shade

White flowers

Pink and red flowers

Orange and peach flowers

Yellow flowers

Green flowers

Blue, purple & black flowers

Fruit trees and shrubs

Fruits & vegetable plants

Herbs

All annuals & biennials

All bamboos

All palms and cycads

Tropical style

Cottage garden style

Rock garden

Cutting garden

Woodland garden

Fragrance garden

White flowers

Pink flowers

Red flowers

Orange

Yellow flowers

Green flowers

Blue flowers

Purple flowers

Burgundy flowers

Black flowers

Bronze flowers

Variegated foliage

Pink foliage

Red foliage

Bronze & apricot foliage

Gold foliage

Chartreuse foliage

Green foliage

Wet soil

Clay soil

Acidic soil

Alkaline soil

Lean soil

Gritty soil

Rocky soil

Standing water

Even moisture

Frequent water

Regular water

Occasional water

Low water

Wildlife friendly

Bird friendly

Hummingbird friendly

Butterfly friendly

Bee friendly

Beneficial insect friendly

Good for hedges

Good for trellises

Good for edging

Good for bonsai

Good for containers

Sun

Mostly sun

Bright shade

Dappled shade

Mostly shade

Shade

All houseplants

Aroids

Bromeliads

Bulbs, corms & tubers

Ferns

Orchids

Perennials

Shrubs / small trees

Succulents

Vines

All spring flowers

Trees and shrubs

Annuals and perennials

Cacti and succulents

Groundcovers

Grass-like plants

Vines

Bulbs / corms / tubers

All summer flowers

Trees and shrubs

Annuals and perennials

Cacti and succulents

Groundcovers

Grass-like plants

Vines

Bulbs / corms / tubers

All fall flowers

Trees and shrubs

Annuals and perennials

Cacti and succulents

Groundcovers

Grass-like plants

Vines

Bulbs / corms / tubers

All fall foliage

Trees

Shrubs

Perennials

Conifers

Grass-like plants

Groundcovers

Vines

All winter flowers

Trees and shrubs

Bulbs / corms / tubers

Perennials

All winter interest

Trees

Shrubs

Perennials

All evergreens

All broadleaf evergreens

Broadleaf evergreen trees

Broadleaf evergreen shrubs

Broadleaf evergreen perennials

Broadleaf evergreen groundcovers

Broadleaf evergreen herbs

Broadleaf evergreen vines

All plants with distinctive bark

Trees

Shrubs

Andesite Native Plants

Bloom River Gardens

Cistus Nursery

Conifer Kingdom

Dry Oasis Plants

Gossler Farms

Hydrangeas Plus

Forestfarm

Red Panda Nursery

Waltzing Matilija

Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Cactus Jungle

Digging Dog Nursery

Eden's blooms

Native Sons

Succulent Gardens

The Watershed Nursery

Dancing Oaks Nursery

Daryll's Nursery

Edelweiss Perennials

Flat Creek Nursery

Garden World

Heritage Seedlings

Jockey Hill Nursery

Little Prince

Mini Forest By Sky

Oregon Grown Tree Farms

Briggs Plant Propagators

Desert Jewels Nursery

Far Reaches Farm

Keeping it Green Nursery

Kigi Nursery

Kiona Native Plants

Lael's Moon Garden

Arrowhead Alpines

Boehm's Garden Center

Botanophilia

Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program

Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Avant Gardens

Accents for Home and Garden

jiovi® at Foxgreen Farm

Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

Morrison's Home and Garden

Summersweet Gardens at Perennial Pleasures

Almost Eden

Bat Cave Botanicals

Brantley Palms

Brian's Botanicals

Brushwood Nursery

Edens Blooms

Far South Wholesale

Florida Hill Nursery

Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd. (Canada)

The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program

Plant Select®

Trees

Conifers

Fruits and vegetables

Shrubs

Agaves (Century Plants)

Aloe

Opuntias (Prickly Pears)

Sempervivums (Hens and Chicks)

Sedums (Stonecrops)

Acers / Maples

Acer palmatum / Japanese maples

Cornus / Dogwoods

Hamamelis / Witch hazels

Magnolias

Osmanthus

Quercus / Oaks

Stewartias

Arctostaphylos / Manzanitas

Berberis & Mahonias

Buxus / Boxwoods

Camellias

Daphnes

Hamamelis / Witch Hazels

Hebes / Veronicas

Hydrangeas

Magnolias

Rhododendrons & Azaleas

Viburnums

Abies / Firs

Cedrus / Cedars

Chamaecyparis / Cypress

Cryptomeria / Japanese Cedars

Juniperus / Junipers

Picea / Spruces

Pinus / Pines

Taxus / Yews

Thuja / Arborvitaes

Tsuga / Hemlocks

Adiantums / Maidenhair ferns

Athyriums / Lady ferns

Aspleniums / Bird's nests & more

Blechnums / Hard ferns

Dryopteris / Wood ferns

Osmundas

Polypodiums

Polystichums / Shield Ferns

Agaves / Century plants

Aloes

Crassulas

Delospermas / ice plants

Echeverias

Mangaves

Opuntias / Prickly pears

Tillandsias / Air plants

Sedums / stonecrops

Sempervivums / Hens and chicks

Acorus / Sweet flags

Carex / Sedges

Liripoes / Lily Turfs

Ophiopogons / Mondo grasses

Phormiums / New Zealand Flaxes

Spring flowering

Summer flowering

Fall flowering

Winter flowering

Aristolochia / Dutchman's pipe

Hydrangeas

White fruit

Pink fruit

Red fruit

Orange fruit

Yellow fruit

Green fruit

Blue fruit

Purple fruit

Black fruit

Blue foliage

Burgundy foliage

Purple foliage

Black foliage

Fall color

Well-drained soil

Rich soil

Average soil

Adaptable to different soils

Drought tolerant

Dry in winter

Dry in summer

Deer resistant

Slug and snail resistant

Rabbit resistant

Heat tolerant

Humidity tolerant

Pollution tolerant

Seaside / salt tolerant

Erosion control

Wind tolerant

Verticillium wilt resistant

Tillandsias / Air plants

Aloes

Crassulas

Echeverias

Haworthias

Philodendrons

White

Pink

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue and purple

Black

Tan and chocolate

Burgundy

White

Pink

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue and purple

Black

Tan and chocolate

Burgundy

White

Pink

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue and purple

Black

Chocolate and tan

Burgundy

White

Pink

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue and purple

Black

Chocolate and tan

Burgundy

All evergreen conifers

Dwarf conifers

Conifer trees

Conifer shrubs

Conifer groundcovers

Variegated conifers

Silver and blue conifers

Blushing conifers

Gold and chartreuse conifers

Classic green conifers

Maples N More Nursery

Sebright Gardens

Secret Garden Growers

Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Noname Nursery

Oregon Palm Nursery

Pomarius Nursery

Premier Landscaping & Yard Care

Rare Plant Research

Shinglehouse Nursery and Design

Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.

Thicket

Thompson's Nursery

Treephoria

Whitman Farms

Young's Garden Gift & Pond

Rhododendron Species Foundation

The Desert Northwest

Two Green Thumbs Miniatures

Wanderlust Nursery

Maplestone Ornamentals

Old House Gardens

Prairie Nursery

Hewitt Garden and Design Center

jensfarm maples

The Kinsey Family Farm

Paradise Found Nursery

Tidwell Nurseries

Utility Research Garden

Violetsblew

Photo of Aesculus pavia flower, foliage by A. Barra

Photo by A. BarraView Original Photo

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Photo of Aesculus pavia flower, foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery

Photo of Aesculus pavia flower by Karl Gercens III

Photo of Aesculus pavia form by Karl Gercens III

Photo of Aesculus pavia flower by Almost Eden

Photo of Aesculus pavia flower by Fantastic Plants

Photo of Aesculus pavia by Far South Wholesale Nursery

Photo of Aesculus pavia flower by Far South Wholesale Nursery

Aesculus pavia

Also Known As

Aesculus splendens
Red Buckeye

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 15'-20'
W: 10'-15'

planting zones

6a-10b

More Options

Aesculus pavia plant details

Aesculus pavia is an easy to grow, moderate-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer red flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aesculus pavia

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: sapindaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 10 FT - 15 FT - wide, 15 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: big leaves, showy, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aesculus pavia

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, heat, humidity and seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A beautiful small (15-25') tree with handsome leaves, showy 6" panicles of red flowers in spring, and lovely fall color. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Red Buckeye is a tough shrubby relative of the full-sized Chestnut tree and features bright red flowers that cover the plant in the middle of spring. Each flower panicle will typically be around 10 inches tall and five inches wide and stand upright above the foliage. Most plants will grow as a shrubby bush around 10-15 feet tall, they can be pruned into a 25' single trunk form by removing any new suckers each winter. The foliage is very attractive but in hot, dry climates it get burnt by the end up summer so gardeners in the Southwest should plant Buckeye where it will get a little bit of afternoon shade.

By: Red Panda Nursery

This red flowering, southeastern US native buckeye is well at home in the small garden, topping out at 15 ft with a very handsome silhouette. Scarlett candelabras of flowers cover the tree in spring. A bird magnet. Full sun to part shade in hottest climates. Likes fertile soil and moderate water; scorches in dry conditions. Frost hardy in USDA zone 4.

By: Cistus Nursery

Red buckeye is a feast for the eyes when in flower and the parent tree of these seedlings has flowers that are a TRUE deep red (we mention this because we read that sometimes the tree flowers greenish, though we've never seen that). Can you name many another native southeastern trees with showy red flowers? There are only a few! (hint: red maple, red dogwood) The flowers are a touted source of nectar for the ruby-throated hummingbird. When you see the seeds, you'll immediately understand why it's called a buckeye tree. Our plants are seedling grown by us from seeds from Dr. Michael Dirr's garden. The smaller stature is a coveted asset for those of us with smaller gardens. This just in, I read on Backyard Wildlife Connection that Red Buckeye is listed as one of the 10 top native hummingbird nectar plants. Whoo hoo!

By: Cutting Edge Plants

Deciduous clump-forming shrub or small tree with an irregular rounded crown and red, narrow-tubular flowers that bloom in spring in very showy, erect, terminal panicles to 4–10 inches long. Palmate, shiny green leaves are attractive in spring and early summer, but usually begin to decline by August. Leathery, beige fruit capsules enclose 1–3 seeds (buckeyes) that ripen in fall. Makes an effective landscape specimen, screen or hedge. Best grown with some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Growth Rate slow to medium

By: Garden World

To lump this distinguished small tree with more coarse horsechestnuts is inappropriate, as it has tremendous ornamental appeal. Shiny, scorch-free foliage and bright red spring flowers command attention. Tolerates heat well, stays small, and blooms freely even in shade. Among Aesculus this one is an aristocrat.

By: Heritage Seedlings

My favorite dwarf buckeye and an important parent of many of the red hybrids. It is quite variable even in the wild, most specimens are under 20' in height however specimens over 60 ft are known to exist.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Easily grown native. Not well known to many gardeners, but highly thought of by those in the know. Shrub size usually, but can make a small tree with time. Interesting leaf, growth habit, and flowers. Known to attract the earliest returning hummingbirds. Grows 3-5? in ten years. Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, Gold Medal from the Pennsylvania Horticulural Society. Recommended by: Ohio Plant Selection Committee.

By: Fantastic Plants

A tough native shrub that produces clusters of brilliant red blooms touched with yellow just as the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds begin to arrive in spring! The Red Buckeye is typically a medium to large growing deciduous shrub. Carrying a Red Buckeye seed in your pocket was considered good luck. These tough natives are tolerant of a variety of soil types, drought and salt tolerant, and are deer and pest resistant. They may defoliate early if exposed to extended periods of drought. Give this shrub plenty of room as they seem to grow larger in the garden than is commonly found in the wild.

By: Almost Eden

Red Buckeye. Small tree or large shrub. 10-20 feet tall. Red flowers. Lustrous dark green foliage. Good in full sun, but will also grow in light shade, for example at the edge of the woods. Zones 4-8

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Clump-forming small tree w/ spectacular salmon to medium red flowers on 6-8" panicles in spring. (Our form is near red.) Always brings ooh's and ahh's when it blooms. Seldom seen in the trade. Eastern Native. Attractive brownish red berries released from tan capsules. There are really no words that can adequately describe this tree's Beauty. Attracts hummingbirds (which is rare for a tree) as does the Mimosa below. Blooms at an early age. Dislikes dry soil. Plants of Merit - Missouri Botanical Garden.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Red Buckeye. Deer resistant, this species boasts a bold shape, growing 15-20' tall with an equal width. It blooms in mid spring with upright red panicles, that are quite attractive to hummingbirds. Grows happily in seaside gardens. 18-24" plants available for spring shipping.

By: Avant Gardens

Hummingbirds are thrilled at the sight of the rich, salmon-red flowers in spring, and defiantly defend them from each other. Shrub-like growth to 12 x 12 ft in 10 years. Minimum temperature: -10° F