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.