Aesculus hippocastanum Digitata - European horse Chestnut

Aesculus 'Digitata' is a hybrid between Aesculus hippocastanum, the horse chestnut tree, and an unidentified American species of Pavier. It is a deciduous tree with moderate development and slow growth, more suitable for smaller gardens. The leaves of this variety are smaller and more finely cut than those of the common horse chestnut, giving the vegetation a finer texture. Its spring flowering is pale pink and less spectacular, and fruiting is rare.

Aesculus 'Digitata' is sometimes marketed under the name Aesculus 'Pumila'. This hybrid variety was created in France before 1864. This small horse chestnut tree belongs to the Sapindaceae or Hippocastanaceae family, depending on the classification. It grows slowly to very slowly and can reach a height of 6 to 8 m with a spread of 5 to 8 m after many years. It develops a straight trunk covered with brown bark, initially smooth, becoming grey and fissured with age. The crown is fairly wide, with a pyramid shape and dense foliage. The deciduous foliage appears in spring and falls in autumn. In winter, small reddish buds covered with shiny resin can be seen on the branches. The leaves have 3 to 5 small, short and narrow leaflets. They are attached to the branches by a petiole with 2 narrow wings. Flowering occurs in May-June, on the already leafy branches. It takes the form of upright pyramid-shaped clusters called thyrses, measuring about 15 cm long and composed of numerous small flowers about 1 cm wide. These flowers are white with a delicate pink hue inside. They are nectar-rich. The 'Digitata' horse chestnut tree produces very few fruits. When they form, they measure 3 to 4 cm in diameter, they are smooth, adorned with a few delicate thorns, and are green-brown. The root system of this horse chestnut tree is deep and taproot, it does not like to be disturbed.

The 'Digitata' Horse Chestnut tree can tolerate any deep soil that remains slightly moist in summer, even limestone. It can be planted as a specimen tree in a clear location, on a large lawn, or as a shade tree near a terrace. Consider its future growth before planting it in the garden. You can plant it in all regions, but it will become taller and more beautiful if it benefits from a slightly humid climate and fairly rich soil. Mop-head hydrangeas, very flowey in summer, can provide a pleasant contrast with the dark green foliage of the horse chestnut tree. Capable of tolerating partial shade, they can thrive near this tree. At its base, you can plant hostas, ferns, or Japanese grasses (Hakonechloa) if the soil does not dry out too much in summer. Otherwise, opt for periwinkles or violets.