Passing hot? Surely you want to protect yourself from the sun under a big tree, right? We are going to propose that you do it under the shadow of a Horse Chestnut. A deciduous tree that has it all: beautiful flowers, very elegant leaves that turn yellow in autumn, and above all, it is very resistant to cold and can withstand moderate frosts without difficulty.
Let's get to know it more thoroughly.
The Horse Chestnut, whose scientific name is Aesculus hipposcastanumis an imposing deciduous tree that grows to a height of no more and no less than 30 meters. Its crown is equally impressive, occupying an area of 2 or 3 square meters depending on the growing conditions. Due to its characteristics, it is ideal as an isolated specimen in large gardens that enjoy a temperate climate.
It is native to Europe, specifically the Balkans, where it lives in regions where temperatures are not extreme (that is, they remain between 20 and 30 degrees in summer, and around 10 degrees in winter with frosts that can be up to -5 ° C). Although these are the preferred temperature conditions for the tree, if we live in a warmer climate (I have been able to verify that it supports well -without damage- 36º) we can improve its resistance to heat if we use a porous substrate, as can be for example 70% akadama and 30% black peat.
This is a tree that wants frequent waterings, especially if we use the aforementioned mixture of substrates, since it does not withstand drought. Thus, we will water 2-3 times in summer in very hot climates (twice a week will be enough if the weather is rather cool and humid), and 2-1 every seven days the rest of the year.
Although it is not very demanding, it must be taken into account that in clay soils, with a high pH, its leaves may show symptoms of chlorosisTherefore, it is very necessary to give it iron chelates once every 15 days, or to fertilize it with a specific fertilizer for acid plants following the recommendations indicated on the container.
What did you think of the Horse Chestnut?