Aesculus x carnea Marginata

The Aesculus x carnea 'Marginata' is a medium-sized horse chestnut tree with green foliage edged in yellow, providing a beautiful contrast with its large flowers in shades of pink to red. Very bright, this cultivar, which does not produce chestnuts, gives an exotic touch to the garden. It is a deciduous tree, hardy, and not very demanding in terms of soil and exposure.

The Aesculus x carnea 'Marginata' is a cross between Aesculus hippocastanum, a vigorous species native to high-altitude plains in northwest Greece, and Aesculus pavia, a small tree or bush native to the southeastern United States, with scarlet flowers and greater drought resistance. 'Marginata' is a small horse chestnut with a straight trunk, reaching 6m (20ft) in height after 10 years and 10 to 12m (33 to 39ft) in height with an 8m (26ft) spread at maturity. Its relatively short trunk supports an ovoid, compact, and bushy crown. Its wide branches produce smooth and slightly sticky buds. Its deciduous leaves, 15cm (6in) wide, are divided into 5 elliptical and wavy leaflets, with toothed edges. They are of medium green colour, nicely edged in yellow. They turn beautifully yellow or orange in autumn. The inflorescences, in the form of large upright panicles, bloom in May-June. The small flowers, very abundant, are pinkish-red in colour. The flowering is sterile, preventing the formation of fruits. The trunk of this small tree is covered with a smooth, dark grey bark.

The Aesculus x carnea 'Marginata' prefers to be planted in deep and fertile soil, rather moist, although it withstands drought better than its parent, the Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). It appreciates a sunny location. Plant it in isolation in the middle of a lawn. Its moderate size also allows it to be integrated into a bed of large bushes. Create foliage contrasts by planting it with a Cotinus Royal Purple and a Parrotia persica. Also, enhance its exotic appearance by pairing it with a Magnolia grandiflora.