Castanea
Chestnut
- Height × spread
- 14m – 25m × 6m – 15m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 12 species of the chestnut, both trees and shrubs. They are found growing over a wide area from Southern Europe to Japan and cooler parts of North America. They are valued both for their handsome appearance when grown as an ornamental, but also for their fruit - the chestnut. Some species produce edible nuts and these have long been valued as a food source in different areas of the world. Japan has Castanea crenata, China has Castanea mollisima, while America has Castanea dentata and Castanea pumila, and Europe has Castanea sativa. There are a wide range of cultivars, developed for the commercial production of the sweet chestnuts. The trees are widely planted as ornamentals, handsome in shape, bark and autumn colour.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, White
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 14m – 25m
- Spread
- 6m – 15m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Coloured stems, Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.