Castanea sativa
Spanish chestnut, Sweet chestnut, European chestnut
- Height × spread
- 25m × 15m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Large and handsome, this ornamental tree has long, slender, toothy leaves and slim, cream coloured flower panicles. The scent is hawthorn-like and sweet, though some find it unpleasant. In the autumn there are sweet chestnuts held in prickly cases. The bark of the tree is notable: the trunk is very broad in proportion to the tree and has deep fissures that swirl upward in a right-hand spiral to striking effect. The tree was probably introduced to the Britain by the Romans. It is very tolerant of heat and drought.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Black, Brown
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-hawthorn
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 25m
- Spread
- 15m
- Height in 10 years
- 14m
- Spread in 10 years
- 6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- 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
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Coloured stems, Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Deer
- Deer may browse on foliage
- 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
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
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.