Keep Your Eye on Red Buckeye

Spring blooming Red buckeye

Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a large shrub or low branched tree maturing to a 15 - 20 feet in height and spread. This southeastern U. S. native is becoming more recognized as a good selection in small urban landscapes.

The red buckeye tree flowers young, either in full or partial sun. Numerous 5- to 9- inch long floral heads sit at the ends of branches like decorative candles in late April and May. Flowers open just before the leaves begin to emerge. Flower color on individual trees varies from dark pink to scarlet red. A yellow flowering form is known to exist. Hummingbirds arrive to pollinate the individual funnel-shaped blossoms.

Lovely dark green, palmate compound leaves clothe the branches in the spring and early summer months. The polished dark buckeye seeds fall from the tree beginning in late September, quickly grabbed up by squirrels and others. Seeds are poisonous.

Disease and insect problems are of little consequence in the spring and early summer months. Disease blotched foliage that may also be scorched on the edges, the result of dry summers, results in a premature leaf drop by late August and September. Expect little to no autumn foliage color as branches are typically bare.

Japanese Apricot Blooms in Winter

Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) is a beautiful reminder that the worst of winter may be behind us. On days barely above freezing, the light pink fragrant blossoms open, rarely in great numbers. Cold nights freeze the blossoms but other buds will open during the next warmup.

Japanese apricot is cold hardy in garden zones 5 thru 7. It is a small 10-12 foot tree, rarely bearing fruit. Plant in a full sun area of the garden, near decks and patios where you can visually enjoy the winter bloom from inside your warm home. The tree is likely to coax you outside.

Japanese apricot does not prosper in hot or dry locations. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil, mulch when needed, and prune to maintain an open branched tree. Over a dozen cultivars are available in white, pink, or red tones and single, semi-double or double blossoms.