I have three bottlebrush buckeye plants in my shade garden…
Sharon Asked
I have three bottlebrush buckeye plants in my shade garden. Two are dark and beautiful. The third starts out early like the others, but soon the leaves get yellow, rusty veins through them and dry around the edges. Does it need more water or nutrients? It is strange because it is next to the two healthy ones.
The Gardener’s Answer
Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) are lovely native shrubs. Best grown in part-shade and consistently moist but well-drained soil. This species of buckeye does not typically have insect or disease issues associated with other buckeye species, but from what you have described, there is certainly something going on with your shrub. Without seeing a sample, it is hard to say, but leaf scorch or leaf blotch are possibilities. For a proper diagnosis you should take a sample of your buckeye to the horticulture agent (Walt Reichert) at the Shelby County Cooperative Extension Service. The offices are located at 1117 Frankfort Road in Shelbyville. The phone number is 502-633-4593. Has this Buckeye lost any foliage? If so, be sure to remove and dispose of any fallen leaves. This will help prevent potential disease spread. I’m sorry I can’t be more specific, but I hope this will send you in the right direction.
