Aesculus carnea 'Fort McNair'

Ft. McNair Red Horsechesnut

Aesculus × carnea ‘Fort McNair’ is a refined red horse chestnut cultivar selected for its exceptional flower color, improved form, and strong landscape performance. It is widely regarded as one of the best red-flowering horse chestnuts for ornamental use.

Key Characteristics and Benefits


Flowers & Color: Large, upright panicles of deep rose-red to crimson flowers in mid to late spring, often richer and more consistent than ‘Briotii’.



Foliage: Large, palmate dark green leaves with good substance and relatively clean summer appearance.



Growth Habit: Upright to broadly rounded canopy with strong branching and a stately, symmetrical form.



Ornamental Value: Excellent spring flowering tree with bold texture and strong visual impact.



Size: Typically reaches 35–45 ft tall with a 30–40 ft spread.



Care and Requirements


Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8



Light: Full sun to partial shade



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



Water: Moderate; benefits from consistent moisture



Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning required



Tolerance: Moderate tolerance of urban conditions; avoid drought, compaction, and heavy road salt



Summary:
‘Fort McNair’ Red Horse Chestnut is an outstanding specimen and shade tree for lawns, parks, campuses, and large residential landscapes, prized for its vivid spring flowers, refined structure, and dependable ornamental performance.

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

30'

Width

25-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Hot Pink, Pink

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Clump

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No