Aesculus ×carnea (red horse-chestnut, "Benibanatochinoki")

Japanese name: ベニバナトチノキ （紅花栃、紅花橡、紅花栃の木）
Scientific name: Aesculus ×carnea

[Overview]
A deciduous tree.
The leaves are opposite and palmately compound, usually with 5 leaflets.
The leaflets are 15–25 cm long with toothed margins.
The leaves have long petioles.
Upright conical compound racemes 15–20 cm long bear many flowers.
The flowers face sideways and are pink to red with 5 petals, with a yellow pattern at the base at first.
The stamens are longer than the petals and curve upward.
The fruit is a spherical capsule, and the seeds look like chestnuts.

[History]
It is said to be a cross between Seiyo-tochinoki and Akabana-amerika-tochinoki.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by grafting.
It grows large and takes up space, so a wide area is needed.
It prefers cool climates and fertile soil that is sunny and well drained.
It dislikes dryness and strong afternoon sun in summer.
Water only enough to keep it from drying out.
Apply compost around the base of the plant in winter and when the fruit begins to form.
In warm regions and cities where the soil and air are dry, the leaf tips are damaged, so care is needed.
Also, the leaves are large and thin, so they are easily damaged by sea breezes and strong winds.
Avoid transplanting mature trees.
Pruning is not particularly necessary, but if it bothers you, just thin out obstructing branches.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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