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Compact deciduous hybrid tree with dark rosy-red flowers
Sapindaceae
Compact shade tree with dark rosy-red flowers
Briotii red horse-chestnut
Aesculus × carnea ‘Briotii’
Briotii red horse-chestnut is a rounded symmetrical deciduous hybrid tree. Large cone-shaped clusters of dark rosy-red flowers with yellow throats appear in spring against glossy dark-green foliage. The cultivar has an especially rich dark rosy-red flower colour and reaches approximately 9 m high and wide (30 ft × 30 ft). Hardy to Zone 4 in a protected position, it prefers full sun or partial shade and deep, cool, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. A few slightly prickly capsules may contain poisonous seeds. This tree suits broad lawns, parks, entrances, and spacious avenues where its crown can develop naturally. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Title
Pair it with
Soil and plant care
200 cm
$174.95
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Discover the plant
Common nameBriotii red horse-chestnut
FamilySapindaceae
GenusAesculus
Species× carnea
CultivarBriotii
TypeCompact deciduous hybrid tree with dark rosy-red flowers
Botanical nameAesculus × carnea ‘Briotii’
Briotii red horse-chestnut (Aesculus × carnea ‘Briotii’) is a deciduous tree with a compact rounded crown, produced from red buckeye and common horse-chestnut. In May, upright panicles approximately 20 cm (8 in) long carry dark rosy-red flowers with yellow throats. They stand against dark-green palmate leaves composed of five to seven leaflets, each marked by a reddish midrib. Hardy to Zone 4, this cultivar commonly reaches 7.5 to 9 m high and wide (25 to 30 ft). Sparsely prickly capsules may follow; their glossy brown seeds are poisonous and must never be eaten. Grey-brown bark adds structure to the winter outline.
Plant Briotii in full sun or partial shade and deep, cool, well-drained soil. Fertile slightly acidic ground encourages growth, but the tree also accepts neutral or alkaline conditions and clay when water does not remain stagnant. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide, position the root flare level with the soil, and water slowly. Space trees 8 to 9 m (26 to 30 ft) apart and leave generous clearance from buildings and wires. Apply 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch without touching the trunk, then irrigate during dry periods.
Use Briotii as a specimen or shade tree on a broad lawn, in a park, entrance, or spacious avenue. Dark rosy-red bloom attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, while the dense crown provides generous shade. Prune lightly during dormancy to remove dead, crossing, or damaged wood; assign large branches to a qualified arborist. Watch for leaf miner, leaf blotch, powdery mildew, cankers, and leaf scorch. Irrigate at soil level, avoid compaction, and collect fallen fruit and heavily affected leaves. Every part is ornamental only and may be harmful if swallowed. Keep capsules and seeds inaccessible to children, dogs, cats, and horses.
In the garden
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; strongest bloom and crown density in full sun
- Hardiness
- Zone 4
Planting guide
Planting & propagation
Spacing / density
Space trees 8 to 9 m (26 to 30 ft) apart to allow development of their compact rounded crowns. Keep similar clearance from buildings, overhead wires, property boundaries, and surfaces the branches cannot cross. Measure from the centre of each trunk and provide ample uncompacted soil volume for roots. In an avenue, preserve enough width for air circulation and future arborist access. Avoid severe pruning intended to force the tree into a confined site.
Best planting time
In spring after the soil thaws, or in early fall at least six weeks before persistent frost
Propagation
Grafting to preserve the characteristics of the Briotii cultivar faithfully
Soil and care
Soil & care
Soil pH
Acidic, neutral, or alkaline; approximately 5.5 to 8.0 when drainage is good
Minimum temperature
Approximately -34 °C (-29 °F), Zone 4
Care level
Moderate
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first season when rainfall is insufficient, then adjust frequency to weather and drainage. Soil should remain cool without becoming waterlogged. Because horse-chestnut performs poorly during prolonged drought, irrigate through hot periods before leaf margins brown. Direct water toward the root zone and avoid wetting foliage to limit leaf blotch. Check moisture beneath mulch before watering again and expand the watered area as the crown grows.
Soil type
Deep, cool, well-drained soil is ideal, preferably fertile and slightly acidic. The cultivar also tolerates neutral to alkaline conditions and loamy or clay textures when aeration remains good. Avoid stagnant water, very thin soil, and severe compaction. Even moisture supports bloom and limits leaf scorch, although an established tree tolerates moderate drought. Preserve a broad permeable root zone and avoid repeated excavation.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is generally unnecessary in deep fertile soil. In spring, spread a thin layer of mature compost over the root zone without touching the trunk. If a soil test identifies a deficiency, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer according to its label. Avoid excess nitrogen because it encourages tender growth, increases water demand, and may make the crown more susceptible to insects and disease. Maintain mulch and soil moisture before considering fertilizer.
Moisture
Moderate to high and even; cool soil without stagnant water
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the trunk, branch unions, and buds before growth resumes. Remove dead, broken, or crossing wood with clean cuts that preserve the branch collar. Double flowers appear in late spring; avoid unnecessary insecticide treatments during this period. In early summer, watch for the first pale or brown mines of horse-chestnut leaf miner and irregular yellow-edged blotches caused by foliar disease. Water deeply during dry periods to limit marginal leaf scorch. Through summer, inspect bark for cracks, dark ooze, or discoloured areas that may indicate canker. Never remove large limbs without professional assessment. In fall, collect and dispose of heavily affected leaves to reduce fungal spores and overwintering insects. Renew 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch without covering the root flare. In winter, check for snow, ice, and rodent damage, then schedule structural work during dormancy. Keep soil uncompacted and prevent mower injuries around the trunk. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Bloom and dimensions
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
10 to 12 m (33 to 39 ft)
Width / spread
6 m (20 feet)
Flower color
Dark rosy red with yellow throats
Foliage color
Glossy dark green with reddish midribs; yellow-brown in fall
Foliage type
Deciduous, opposite leaves composed of five to seven leaflets
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Compact, dense, and rounded
Fragrance
Light to barely noticeable
Bloom period
Upright cone-shaped terminal panicles approximately 20 cm (8 in) long appear in spring, generally May. Dark rosy-red flowers have yellow throats that contrast with dark-green foliage marked by reddish midribs. Bloom attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other insect pollinators. A sunny position, cool soil, and a crown free from severe pruning encourage the strongest display. A few sparsely prickly capsules may later develop and contain poisonous brown seeds.
Fruiting
After flowering, Briotii may produce rounded light-brown capsules with few spines and glossy seeds. These seeds are poisonous and are not edible true chestnuts. Collect capsules in spaces used by children and pets, then dispose of them so ingestion cannot occur. Flowers, foliage, and fruit are strictly ornamental. Wear gloves during prolonged handling and wash hands afterward. Keep fallen seeds away from dogs, cats, horses, and young children.
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
Pair this large horse-chestnut with shrubs and perennials able to grow in cool soil beneath shade that increases with age. Viburnums, shrub dogwoods, hydrangeas, hostas, ferns, epimediums, hardy geraniums, and sedges can create layers around a broad mulched zone. Keep low plantings away from the root flare and avoid species requiring frequent soil cultivation because roots should not be injured. Choose companions suited to the local pH and to the light actually available beneath the mature crown. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Plants to avoid
Avoid prolonged drought, thin or compacted soil, stagnant water, trunk injuries, and severe pruning. Leaf scorch, leaf blotch, horse-chestnut leaf miner, scale insects, cankers, and honey fungus may reduce appearance or vigour. Irrigate at soil level, maintain a mulched root zone, collect heavily affected leaves, and have dark oozing areas or major dying branches inspected. Repeated road salt and reflected heat may also intensify summer stress. Do not plant where crown size will require repeated cutting. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Garden use
Use Briotii as a specimen or shade tree on a broad lawn, in a park, landscaped entrance, or spacious avenue. Its rounded crown approximately 9 m (30 ft) wide provides generous shade, and dark rosy-red clusters with yellow throats enliven spring. Avoid overhead wires, small yards, compacted soil, and positions where poisonous seeds could remain unattended. Preserve a broad permeable root zone and irrigate during prolonged drought to support foliage. This cultivar is best viewed from enough distance to appreciate its balanced outline.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How large does Briotii horse-chestnut grow?
Briotii generally reaches approximately 9 m high and wide (30 ft by 30 ft). Its crown is rounded, symmetrical, and broadly branched, providing generous shade. Reserve it for a broad lawn, park, entrance, or spacious avenue. Keep approximately 9 m (30 ft) between trunks and adequate distance from buildings, wires, and boundaries the branches cannot cross. Repeated pruning cannot maintain this tree permanently in a small yard. Preserve a broad permeable soil surface for roots and allow qualified arborist access for future inspections and work at height. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly. This attention supports a healthy, structured, lasting tree.
Are Briotii seeds edible?
No. Red horse-chestnut seeds are poisonous and must never be confused with edible chestnuts in the genus Castanea. Briotii may produce a few light-brown, slightly prickly capsules after flowering. Collect them in areas used by children and pets, then dispose of them so they cannot be swallowed. Leaves, bark, buds, and other horse-chestnut tissues are also considered harmful if chewed. This cultivar is strictly ornamental. Wash hands after prolonged handling and promptly contact a poison centre or veterinarian if ingestion occurs. Do not use any part in food, crafts for young children, or pet enrichment. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
What distinguishes Briotii red horse-chestnut?
Briotii is distinguished by large dark rosy-red clusters with yellow throats, a rounded habit, and an especially rich dark rosy-red flower colour. At maturity, it forms a symmetrical crown approximately 9 m high and wide (30 ft by 30 ft), making it easier to place than a very large common horse-chestnut. Glossy dark-green foliage provides dense summer shade. Flowers attract hummingbirds and insect pollinators, but a few capsules containing poisonous seeds may follow. Choose deep, cool, well-drained soil and irrigate during drought to limit leaf scorch and maintain vigorous bloom. Preserve crown space and avoid severe pruning that disrupts the balanced form.
How can Briotii foliage be kept attractive?
Briotii has an especially rich dark rosy-red flower colour, but leaf miner, powdery mildew, scorch, or spots can still appear during a stressful summer. Keep soil cool with deep irrigation and 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of mulch that does not touch the trunk. Water at soil level rather than over leaves, avoid compaction, and collect heavily affected foliage in fall. Do not apply pesticides automatically; identify the cause first. If branches decline or bark releases dark ooze, request an assessment from a qualified arborist. Maintain good air circulation and avoid excess nitrogen that encourages tender growth. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Does Briotii prefer full sun or partial shade?
Briotii grows in full sun or partial shade. Full sun generally encourages heavier bloom and a denser crown, while light partial shade may reduce stress on a hot site. In either exposure, choose deep, cool, well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic. The tree tolerates alkaline conditions and moderate drought after establishment, but prolonged water shortage can scorch leaf margins. Irrigate deeply during dry periods, maintain a mulched root zone, and avoid overhead wires or positions too narrow for the 9 m (30 ft) crown. Dense shade reduces flowering and can produce a more open, less balanced outline. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Wildlife and pets
Wildlife & precautions
Attracts birds
Yes
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Dark rosy-red flowers with yellow throats provide a spring resource for hummingbirds, bees, and other insect pollinators. Seeds are not intended for consumption and should be collected in frequently used spaces. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides during bloom and keep poisonous horse-chestnuts away from children and pets. For best results, inspect soil, foliage, and growth regularly.
Outils
Compostage et écologie
