Why Plant Fort McNair Horsechestnut?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have just returned from their winter homes in Central America when Fort McNair Horse Chestnut (or "Horsechestnut") blooms, and along with honeybees and other pollinators, they eagerly drink up. This remarkable medium-sized ornamental tree sends up scores of big, cone-shaped flower clusters that look like bouquets of orchids. The blooms are set off by large, pleated leaves that add to the tropical vibe this tree will bring to your garden. When summer approaches, you just might pull up a lounge chair under Fort McNair's cooling shade, pour yourself a margarita, and have a little "staycation" in the backyard, while dreaming of a tropical paradise!
This tree is a hybrid between the bold, stately, white-flowering Common Horsechestnut of Southern Europe and the perky little Red Buckeye of the Southeastern U.S. These two species were first crossed in Germany around 1820. This particular selection was chosen from the grounds of the Fort McNair Army Base in Washington, D.C. Fort McNair has been in service since 1791. The British destroyed the Fort in the War of 1812 (after they had burned the Capitol down), but while American forces lost that battle, we won the war, and rebuilt.
How to use Fort McNair Horsechestnut in the landscape?
This spectacular specimen tree will be on the "Most Wanted List" in your neighborhood. Gigantic, rosy red flower spikes will create all kinds of excitement in late spring. The dark green, textured leaves provide much needed shade on those hot summer days.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zones: 5-8
How To Plant Fort McNair Horsechestnut
The Fort McNair is an easy care and disease resistant tree for the landscape, with little effort required to be able to enjoy. Simply plant in a bright and sunny location with well draining soil and sit back to enjoy! Like any Horsechestnut, the foliage will turn yellow as Fall approaches and will most likely be one of the first trees to show fall colors and to drop its leaves. The summer and fall leaves can get leaf spots but no need to battle this at all in your landscape and yard, for Horesechestnut this naturally takes place each season and marks the beginning of Fall.
How To Water
Fort McNair Horsechestnut will appreciate regular water during its first few years in the ground and irrigation during long dry spells after it’s established.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
The best time to prune your Fort McNair Horsechestnut is from mid-late winter to early spring. While pruning is not typically needed, any cross branching that may occur should be removed.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
