Aesculus hippocastanum 12ltr pot

Aesculus hippocastanum — 12ltr Pot

The classic conker tree, Aesculus hippocastanum needs little introduction. Large, palmate leaves with 5–7 leaflets unfurl each spring, followed by the tree's signature upright "candles" — conical clusters of creamy-white flowers marked with a yellow spot that fades to red as they age, providing a valuable early nectar source for pollinators. By autumn the leaves turn a warm red-brown, and the familiar spiny green fruit cases split to reveal glossy conkers inside.

A large, broad-crowned deciduous tree, horse chestnut is a magnificent choice where space allows — parkland, large gardens or as a substantial specimen tree — but it does need room to develop its full spreading canopy, so it isn't one for a small plot. Note that all parts of the tree, including the conkers, are harmful if eaten by people and pets, and the seeds are also toxic to horses and livestock, so it's best sited away from grazing land or paddocks.

Grow in full sun or partial shade, in any reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil — this species tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand. It's fully hardy (RHS H7) and tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions, needing only minimal pruning once established.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch, supplied in a 12-litre pot ready for planting straight into its final position.