Aesculis Humilis Red

Red Buckeye, Firecracker Plant

Aesculus humilis ‘Red’ is a compact, shrub-form buckeye valued for its showy red flower spikes, pollinator appeal, and manageable size compared to tree-form buckeyes. It provides bold spring color and a native look well suited to mixed borders and naturalized plantings.

Key Characteristics and Benefits


Flowers & Color: Upright clusters of deep red to red-pink tubular flowers in spring, highly attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators.



Foliage: Palmate, medium-green leaves with a bold, coarse texture.



Growth Habit: Low, spreading to rounded shrub form, smaller and more compact than red buckeye trees.



Native Value: North American native species with strong wildlife benefits.



Size: Typically reaches 6–10 ft tall with a 6–10 ft spread.



Care and Requirements


Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8



Light: Full sun to partial shade



Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to average garden soils



Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture, especially when young



Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning needed



Tolerance: Moderate drought tolerance once established



Note: Seeds are toxic if ingested



Summary:
Aesculus humilis ‘Red’ is an excellent choice for shrub borders, native gardens, woodland edges, and pollinator plantings, offering striking spring color, compact form, and strong ecological value.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

12'-20'

Width

10'-12'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Winter

Flower color

Orange Red

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green, Yellow

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Clay

Landscape use

Foundation, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No