What hardiness zones is Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii' suitable for?

Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii'?

Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii' need?

Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii' has Medium water needs.

Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Aesculus carnea var. × 'Briottii'

Briotii Red Horse Chestnut

Sapindaceae

Garden hybrid origin (Aesculus hippocastanum × Aesculus pavia)

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height30-40 feet (9-12 m)

Width25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 m)

Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Hummingbirds

Deer Resistant

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Aesculus x carnea 'Briotii' is a rounded, densely crowned deciduous tree reaching 30–40 feet (9–12 m) tall and 25–35 feet (7.5–10.5 m) wide. This cultivar of A. x carnea produces deeper rose-red flowers than the species type, which are typically lighter pink. Leaves are palmately compound with 5 leaflets, each 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, dark green, and slightly glossier than the species. Foliage emerges in mid-spring and turns brown to dull yellow in fall, dropping by late October in zones 5–6. Erect flower panicles 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) long appear in May–June, densely packed with tubular flowers. Fruit production is sparse compared to A. hippocastanum; spiny capsules 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) contain 1–2 brown seeds. Growth rate is moderate at 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) annually; trees reach 20 feet (6 m) in approximately 15 years. Trunk bark is dark gray-brown and develops shallow fissures with age. Leaf blotch (Guignardia aesculi) causes brown patches on foliage from midsummer onward, progressing to premature defoliation by late August in humid climates. All parts contain aesculin and saponins and are toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Aesculus x carnea is a hybrid of garden origin, a cross between A. hippocastanum (native to the Balkans) and A. pavia (native to the southeastern United States). The cultivar 'Briotii' was selected in France in the mid-19th century by Pierre Briot at the Trianon nursery, Versailles.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a shade tree and street tree in residential neighborhoods, spaced 30–40 feet (9–12 m) apart. Rounded canopy form fits medium-sized properties. Trees are not suited to sites with restricted root space, compacted soil, or prolonged summer drought.

How to Identify

Distinguished from the species type by deeper rose-red flower color and slightly glossier foliage. Flower panicles 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) long are more densely packed than typical A. x carnea. Compared to A. hippocastanum, 'Briotii' is smaller at maturity, has 5 rather than 7 leaflets per leaf, and produces fewer fruit. Bark is dark gray-brown with shallow fissures, compared to the lighter gray, platy bark of A. hippocastanum.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 40'

Width/Spread25' - 35'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

brown

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowers May through early June in zones 5–8. Individual panicles last approximately 2 weeks; total bloom period extends about 3 weeks. Bloom occurs 1–2 weeks after A. hippocastanum in the same location. In zone 8, flowering may begin in late April.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep rose-red

Foliage Description

Dark green palmately compound leaves with 5 leaflets, glossier than the species type

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water deeply every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first 2–3 growing seasons). Established trees tolerate short dry periods but leaf scorch increases during prolonged drought. Leaf blotch (Guignardia aesculi) is common in humid climates, causing brown patches from July onward; the infection is cosmetic and does not affect tree health. Japanese beetles may feed on foliage in eastern North America during June–July. Fertilize young trees annually in early spring with a balanced fertilizer; mature trees generally do not require supplemental feeding. Trees are intolerant of compacted soil and decline in heavily paved urban sites with restricted root zones.

Pruning

Prune during winter dormancy (November–February) to remove dead, crossing, or structurally weak branches. Establish a central leader in the first 5–10 years to develop strong scaffold branching. Sucker growth at the graft union or base is uncommon but should be removed if it appears. Mature trees require minimal pruning beyond removal of dead wood.

Pruning Schedule

winter

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans