Plant of the Week: Aesculus parviflora

I normally confine my remarks to plants I have grown myself, but unfortunately I’ve never possessed the space to grow this big suckering shrub from the horse chestnut family, which produces abundant candles of white flower in late July and August. In a garden of several acres, including an expanse of well-tended lawn, this would be a must. I would be inclined to grow a big viticella clematis over one half of it as well, to liven it up a bit. So if you have such a space and want a summer spectacle about ten metres across and less than half as high, go for it. I shall peep over your fence in admiration and envy.