Position-Full sun, semi-shade. Soil Type-Tolerant of most soils. Well drained but moist. Rate of Growth-Average 1ft (30cm) per year. Foliage-Deciduous (loses its leaves in winter). Hardiness-Fully Hardy. Flowers-May-June. Eventual height 12ft in 10 years. Mature height 60-80ft (20-25m). Spread-50-60ft. (16-20m). Flower Colour-White candles of flowers blotched red-yellow. Other features-Fantastic Autumn colour, and of course, CONKERS. Description-Large 5-6 lobed leaves of green. Turn to fantastic golds and yellows in Autumn. Possibly our most attractive flowering large tree, also providing the familiar conkers for childrens games. Not a native tree but beautiful nonetheless. Bees love it!
Garden care-Planting-Dig a planting hole large enough and deep enough for the soil ball to be surrounded by a 3-4inch layer of planting mixture. The hole should be deep enough to ensure the top of the soil ball will be 1-2 inches below the soil surface after planting. Always water the container before planting. Place 3-4inches of planting mix in the bottom of the hole, put soil ball in the hole, fill space around it with planting mix. Never use ordinary soil. Firm mix down with hands, or firmly with feet, then water in well. Planting mix should be a combination of, 1 part top soil or John Innes No.3, 1 part moist peat and 3 handfuls of Bonemcal per barrow load. A good sturdy stake is a necessity for the first year or two, until the tree has formed a good root system. You may be able to put the stake in upright with some trees, but usually with container trees a stake in the ground at a 50 degree angle to the tree, pointing roughly into the prevailing wind is best. The use of a proper tree tie is essential. When planting near other trees or buildings, consider the mature height of the tree. If the height is 4m then that is how far apart you plant the trees.
Aftercare-In the spring, place a mulch of rotted manure, garden compost, bark, peat or black polythene around the tree extending 18 inches around the stem. This keeps the weeds down which is essential to the health of the tree. Its a good idea to carry on mulching every spring through the trees life as well as feeding with Growmore fertiliser. Fruit trees are unfortunately targets for many soil and airborne pests and diseases, so the spraying of chemicals is often a necessity, winter washes in October and again in February-March are very important. Sprays of fungicides and insecticides in summer months to control mildew and insect problems are an option to maintain the best health of your tree. No pruning is necessary unless it is to remove damaged or dead branches.
Product Code:PLAAESCULUSHIPPOCASTANUM