Fort McNair Horse Chestnut
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Spacing: 25-30'
- Exposure: Sun/Part Shade
- Deer Resistant: Yes
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Ruby-throated hummingbirds have just returned from their winter homes in Central America when Fort McNair Horse Chestnut (or "Horsechestnut") blooms, and along with honeybees and other pollinators, they eagerly drink up. This remarkable medium-sized ornamental tree sends up scores of big, cone-shaped flower clusters that look like bouquets of orchids. The blooms are set off by large, pleated leaves that add to the tropical vibe this tree will bring to your garden. When summer approaches, you just might pull up a lounge chair under Fort McNair's cooling shade, pour yourself a margarita, and have a little "staycation" in the backyard, while dreaming of a tropical paradise!
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Spacing: 25-30'
- Exposure: Sun/Part Shade
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Show more ›
The Story
This tree is a hybrid between the bold, stately, white-flowering Common Horsechestnut of Southern Europe and the perky little Red Buckeye of the Southeastern U.S. These two species were first crossed in Germany around 1820. This particular selection was chosen from the grounds of the Fort McNair Army Base in Washington, D.C. Fort McNair has been in service since 1791. The British destroyed the Fort in the War of 1812 (after they had burned the Capitol down), but while American forces lost that battle, we won the war, and rebuilt.
The Details
This spectacular specimen tree will be on the "Most Wanted List" in your neighborhood. Gigantic, rosy red flower spikes will create all kinds of excitement in late spring. The dark green, textured leaves provide much needed shade on those hot summer days.
How to Grow
The is an easy care Tree for the landscape with little effort required to be able to enjoy. On the nursery we carefully work on the proper branching structure and we make sure we remove the lower branches to a level that is proper for years to come.
Once in the landscape the only responsibility you have is to make sure you allow ample time to enjoy the bloom period. I have one planted and each spring can see the giant leaf and flower buds begin to expand and swell and after weeks of anticipation the large red blooms last for days and days.
We also enjoy the large foliage, dark green in Spring. Like any Horsechestnut the foliage will turn yellow as Fall approaches and will most likely be one of the first trees to show fall colors and to drop its leaves. The summer and fall leaves can get leaf spots but no need to battle this at all in your landscape and yard, for Horesechestnut this naturally takes place each season and marks the beginning of Fall.
Fort McNair is a seedless and fruitless selection and is used for shade and the dynamic spring flowers about mid May in the Northeast, earlier in more southern areas.
More Info
Size Guide
Scale
Size B
This graphic shows the approximate size and form of the Tree you are viewing.
Size B Trees:
6-8' Tall, consistent heavy stem caliper nearing 2". Grown in our #15 tree container.
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