Aesculus pavia splendens

Spendens Buckeye

Aesculus pavia ‘Splendens’ is an improved red buckeye selection valued for its intense flower color, upright habit, and excellent ornamental performance. It offers all the wildlife and spring interest of the species with richer bloom color and a more refined landscape presence.

Key Characteristics and Benefits


Flowers & Color: Upright clusters of deep scarlet-red flowers in early to mid-spring, often brighter and more vivid than the species.



Pollinator Value: Highly attractive to hummingbirds and early-season pollinators.



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



Growth Habit: Upright to rounded, often multi-stemmed; can be grown as a large shrub or small tree.



Native Value: Southeastern U.S. native with strong ecological benefits.



Size: Typically reaches 12–20 ft tall with a 10–15 ft spread.



Care and Requirements


Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8



Light: Full sun to partial shade



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



Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture, especially when young



Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning required



Tolerance: Moderately drought tolerant once established



Note: Seeds and foliage are toxic if ingested



Summary:
‘Splendens’ Red Buckeye is an excellent choice for native gardens, woodland edges, pollinator plantings, and small landscapes, offering vivid spring color, wildlife value, and manageable size.

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20'

Width

20'-25'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Hot Pink, Red

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Brown

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No