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.
