Hardy, mid-summer flowering, North American shrub Description: Bears showy, spidery white flowers, with protruding stamens, in 12-inch conical clusters, followed by smooth-skinned fruit Habit: Grows to 10 feet high and 15 feet wide; spreads by suckering Culture: Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 5 Origin: North America Attributes: Deer resistant, attracts butterflies, fall color Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.Philadelphia botanist and plant explorer William Bartram first discovered this handsome shrub of the southeastern United States during his travels in Carolina, Georgia, and Florida in 1773-78; a specimen, believed planted by William, still grew in the Bartram's nursery in 1930. Writing from Philadelphia in 1798, Thomas Jefferson notified his son-in-law, Thomas Mann Randolph, of a shipment of plants on its way to Monticello which included one "Aesculus Alba white" to be planted on the slope "down to the Shops" (Mulberry Row). Jefferson was likely referring to Aesculus parviflora, which was once also known as A. alba. This plant has outstanding spring and autumn foliage color and is very attractive to butterflies.This plant will ship bare root.12"-18" tall.Bare root planting tips:If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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