Crinodendron patagua

Crinodendron patagua (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Late summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 8m

Eventual Spread: 5m

Hardiness: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

Crinodendron patagua is an evergreen shrub with a dense, upright habit . Its dark green leaves are ovate with sinuate margins, up to 7cm long and 5m wide. Its white flowers are lantern shaped, pendant and up to 25mm long. Its fruit is an orange capsule with up to 5 valves.

Crinodendron patagua Flower (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Crinodendron patagua, commonly known as Lilly of the Valley Tree, is native to Chile. In its native habitat it grows in humid shady places, usually near streams.

The etymological root of the binomial name Crinodendron is derived from the Greek krinon meaning ‘Lilly’ and dendron meaning ‘tree’. Patagua is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Patagonia’.

The landscape architect may find Crinodendron patagua useful as a large evergreen shrub with attractive flowers suitable for acidic soils. Its flowers may be damaged by a late frost, therefore a sheltered position would be favoured.

Crinodendron patagua Leaf (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically,  Crinodendron patagua flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Crinodendron patagua prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers an acid pH of soil. This shrub dislikes dry soils.

Crinodendron patagua requires little maintenance.

Crinodendron hookerianum

Crinodendron hookerianum (07/06/2014, Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 6m

Eventual Spread: 4m

Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

Crinodendron hookerianum is an evergreen shrub with a dense, upright habit . Its dark green leaves are lanceolate with fine serrulate margins, up to 7cm long and 15mm wide. Its dark red flowers are lantern shaped, pendant and up to 25mm long. Its fruit is a capsule with up to 5 valves.

Crinodendron hookerianum Flower (07/06/2014, Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland)

Crinodendron hookerianum, commonly known as Chile Lantern Tree or Lantern Tree, is native to Chile. In its native habitat it grows in humid shady places, usually near streams.

The etymological root of the binomial name Crinodendron is derived from the Greek krinon meaning ‘Lilly’ and dendron meaning ‘tree’. Hookerianum is named after Sir William Jackson Hooker (1785 – 1865).

The landscape architect may find Crinodendron hookerianum useful as a large evergreen shrub with attractive flowers suitable for acidic soils. Its flowers may be damaged by a late frost, therefore a sheltered position would be favoured.

Ecologically, Crinodendron hookerianum is likely to be attractive to humming birds.

Crinodendron hookerianum Leaf (07/06/2014, Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland)

The Royal Horticultural Society has given Crinodendron hookerianum their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Crinodendron hookerianum prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers an acid pH of soil. This shrub dislikes dry soils.

Crinodendron hookerianum requires little maintenance.