Overview
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant that belongs to the genus Aesculus. The plant is a cross between Aesculus flava and Aesculus pavia. It is commonly known as Red horse chestnut or Pink horse chestnut. This plant is native to the United States.
Appearance
The Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) plant can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The tree is deciduous and has a rounded shape. The flowers are pink and red in color, and they bloom in the spring. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth. The leaves are dark green and can be up to 10 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow.
Uses
The Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) plant has several uses. The tree is primarily used as an ornamental plant in landscapes and gardens. The flowers are attractive and can be used to beautify a space. The plant is also used for its medicinal properties. The bark and leaves of the tree have been used to treat a variety of ailments such as rheumatism, varicose veins, and skin conditions. In addition, the nuts of the tree are edible but toxic when raw. They can be roasted and consumed.
Cultivation
The Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) plant requires full sun to grow well. It can tolerate a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soil. The tree is susceptible to leaf scorch and mildew, so it is important to maintain proper watering and fertilizing practices. The plant can be propagated through seed or cuttings. It is important to note that the tree has a deep root system and may not be suitable for planting near sidewalks or buildings.
Light requirements:
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) typically grows best in full sun or partial shade. It thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day but can also tolerate some shade.
Temperature requirements:
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) is a cold-hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, which corresponds with an average annual extreme minimum temperature range of -30°F to 20°F (-34°C to -6.7°C).
Soil requirements:
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) requires well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. It does not tolerate soil compaction or salt buildup in the soil.
Cultivation
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.), also known as the hybrid painted buckeye, is a low-maintenance deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It requires full to partial sunlight and well-drained soil. The plant can withstand temperatures ranging from -20°F to 100°F but prefers a mild climate with humidity.
Watering needs
Watering is an essential aspect of growing Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. During the first growing season, it is crucial to keep the soil moist. After that, the plant is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods, promotes healthy growth and flowering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary for Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. to thrive. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should take place during the growing season, every four to six weeks. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers as synthetic fertilizers can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl.'s shape and size. It should be done during the dormant season, between late winter and early spring. Pruning should only involve removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood. It is essential to avoid over-pruning as it can weaken the plant, reducing its ability to flower and grow.
Propagation of Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.)
There are several methods for propagating Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.), a hybrid between Aesculus hippocastanum and Aesculus pavia. The most common methods are seed propagation, vegetative propagation through cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) can be grown from seeds, which are usually collected in the fall after they have fallen from the tree. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until planting in the spring. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 inches and watered regularly, but not over-watered. Seedlings should emerge in 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location after a year or two.
Vegetative Propagation through Cuttings
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.) can also be propagated through vegetative cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in the late summer or fall, and should be approximately 6-8 inches long with a diameter of ¼ to ½ inch. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a soilless medium, such as vermiculite, perlite, or sand. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a humid environment until they have developed roots. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is another method for propagating Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. (pro sp.). It involves joining a piece of the desired plant, called the scion, to a rootstock. The rootstock can be either a seedling or a young tree of a related species. The scion and rootstock are joined together by making a diagonal cut on both and then binding them together. The plant is then allowed to heal for several weeks before it is planted in its permanent location.
Disease Management for Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl.
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. is susceptible to various fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases. Proper disease management practices must be implemented to minimize the damage caused by these diseases. It is recommended to follow the below practices:
- Plant resistant varieties wherever possible
- Remove diseased plant materials immediately to prevent the spread of the disease
- Apply chemical fungicides or bactericides as per the manufacturer's instructions
- Sanitize tools and equipment before and after use, especially when working on diseased plants
- Avoid overhead watering, especially late in the day, as it increases the humidity level of the plant surface, which favors the spread of fungal spores
The most common diseases affecting Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. are anthracnose, leaf blotch, rust, and powdery mildew.
Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and twigs of the plant. The affected areas appear as brown spots with black margins.
Leaf Blotch: It is a fungal disease that causes a brownish-black discoloration on the leaves. The affected leaves eventually drop prematurely.
Rust: It is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellowish-brown spots on the leaves. These spots may have reddish-brown spores on their undersides. The affected leaves may drop prematurely.
Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. The affected plant parts may deform and wilt.
Pest Management for Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl.
Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. is susceptible to various pests, including insects and mites. Below are some pest management practices that must be followed:
- Inspect the plant regularly for the presence of pests
- Remove infested plant materials immediately to prevent the spread of pests
- Apply chemical pesticides as per the manufacturer's recommendations
- Encourage natural predators like ladybirds, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps
The most common pests that affect the Aesculus ×neglecta Lindl. are aphids, spider mites, and scales.
Aphids: They are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant. These insects secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes fungal growth.
Spider Mites: They are small, spider-like insects that feed on the undersides of leaves. They can cause yellowing and bronzing of leaves and weakens the plant's overall vigor.
Scales: They are small, immobile insects that suck sap from the plant. The infested plant parts may turn yellow or brown and eventually defoliate.
