Red Buckeye
aesculus pavia
Also known as: ["Scarlet Buckeye","Firecracker Plant"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree known for its striking red flowers and palmate leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Aesculus |
| Botanical Name: | Aesculus pavia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers space for growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in spring/summer, partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; provide dappled shade in extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in peak summer; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
rich, well-drained, slightly acidic loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend with organic matter; ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize before new growth emerges; water before and after application; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-drained seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds germinate in 1–3 months with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, humidity dome, misting spray.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to control size, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead/damaged wood, shape the plant, and encourage airflow to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, refresh soil, and place in a slightly larger pot with drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water thoroughly, place in shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or bud failure in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to bud abortion if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base, protect with frost cloth, and avoid planting in exposed, cold pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to prolonged heat above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering, and use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH, use correct dilution, apply during active growth, avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Aesculus pavia, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The plant's toxins can cause significant distress and potential systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe toxic compounds in Aesculus pavia can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological symptoms in dogs. The plant's effects can lead to significant discomfort and potential systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAesculus pavia contains saponins and other toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects upon ingestion. The plant's physiological impact includes irritation of the digestive tract and potential disruption of cellular functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Aesculus pavia toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does the Red Buckeye attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: How tall does Aesculus pavia grow?
A: It typically grows to 10-20 feet tall.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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