Baumann’s Horse Chestnut

Also known as the double-flowered horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii is a natural sport of the horse-chestnut, discovered in Switzerland in the early 19th century, and grown for its very showy flowers. It’s a tall, deciduous tree with a broad, dense, rounded crown and rather drooping branches. The mid-green leaves emerge from big, sticky buds; they are large and palmate, divided into 5-7 ribbed leaflets, and turn rich golden-brown in autumn. The flowers, borne in May, are fully double, white with a yellow mark which ages to red. No ‘conkers’ are formed, and the flowers are of no use to pollinators. Tolerates urban pollution, and makes a wonderful specimen tree for very large gardens or parks.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any deep, fertile, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Late spring in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: up to 82’ (25m) Spread: up to 49’ (15m)