Scorch-Resistant Red Buckeyes

Available Varieties

• Many nurseries offer only the species form of red buckeye, but several varieties are also commercially available. "Altrosanquinea" (Aesculus pavia "Altrosanquinea") is similar to the species, except for deeper red flowers. "Humilis" (Aesculus pavia "Humilis") has similar leaves and flowers, but shorter stature. A native Texas variety, Texas yellow buckeye (Aesculus pavia var. flavescens), features yellow tubular flowers instead of the red-orange of the species. None of the varieties are advertised or reported as being more tolerant of leaf scorch than the species.

Leaf Scorch Remedies

• Red buckeyes are natural understory trees, meaning that in the wild they tend to grow at woodland edges where they are shaded by larger trees. This protects them to some degree from the hot, dry climate conditions conducive to leaf scorch. When siting red buckeyes in the home landscape, plant them where they will receive shade for at least part of the day. Since scorch-resistant cultivars have not been developed, this is the best way to enjoy the buckeyes while keeping the leaves beautiful and on the trees for the longest period of time.

Red Buckeye Uses

• To avoid leaf scorch and make the most of red buckeyes, use them as specimen trees in woodland gardens where the cooling, partial shade provided by other species would protect the leaves from scorch-inducing heat and sun. Underplant with spring-blooming perennials to add color before the trees leaf out. The smaller "Humilis" variety could also be used as an informal flowering hedge in a partially shaded situation. Either the species or the cultivars could be grown in large containers and used on shady terraces or patios. Don't plant red buckeyes around children or pets as leaves and sprouts are poisonous if ingested.

Substitute Selections

• If the situations that engender leaf scorch cannot be avoided, choose other red-flowered trees. One with brilliant red flowers is Dynamite crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica "Whit II" Dynamite), hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9. It can withstand full sun and produces brilliant red blossoms in mid- to late summer. The indica species -- though not necessarily Dynamite -- grows vigorously and has been reported as invasive in some areas. Replace the smaller "Humilis" red buckeye with "Red Pygmy" dogwood (Cornus florida "Red Pygmy"), hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. The rose-red flowers appear in spring.