About

Aesculus x mutabilis is a sizable shrub or a small deciduous tree characterized by a wide canopy. Its lobed foliage starts off green in the spring and transitions to reddish-brown as autumn approaches. In the spring, it produces flowers that feature a combination of deep pink and yellow hues.

About the genus

Aesculus consists of deciduous trees or sizable shrubs featuring prominent flowers and leaves that are lobed in a palmate arrangement. In some cases, they also exhibit appealing colors in the fall.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Wildlife gardens
Toxicity
Humans/Pets (dogs): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings or grafting
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to horse chestnut scale and leaf-mining moth
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to coral spot, canker, leaf spot and honey fungus