GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Horse Chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum · Tree

Hardiness
H7 Very hardy (to below −20°C)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height × Spread
39 m × —
Soil
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Flowering
March–May
Toxicity
Humans/Pets (dogs): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

The Gardening Year

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🌸 In flower

Watch out for

Horse chestnut leaf-mining moth: Tolerate minor infestations as they rarely harm tree health; remove and dispose of fallen leaves to reduce overwintering larvae.

Horse chestnut leaf blotch: Rake up and compost or burn fallen leaves in autumn to reduce fungal spores for the following year.

Horse chestnut bleeding canker: Avoid wounding the bark and maintain tree vigour through proper watering and soil care; no chemical cure exists.

Powdery mildew: Ensure good air circulation around the tree and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

Vine weevil: Apply nematodes or insecticidal drenches to the soil in early autumn to control larvae.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/aesculus-hippocastanum © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia