CRINODENDRON HOOKERIANUM
Crinodendron Hookerianum is commonly called the lantern tree on account of the clusters of pendant urn-shaped flowers which are a brilliant carmine red and dangle from long stalks from early to mid-summer. The dark green foliage is narrow, glossy and leathery in appearance. Another fabulous shrub from Chile, and a real show-off of a plant, brought to this country in the mid 19th century. Pot size - available ex 3 litre pot.
Position : sun or semi-shade.
Soil : well drained acid soil.
Height : to 4.5m / 15 ft.
Please note - shrubs are subject to being pruned back in the following circumstances: in spring or post flowering to promote new growth, and when required for packing of online orders.
Crinodendron Hookerianum does best in a sheltered spot away from icy winter winds, which can damage the foliage and juvenile flower buds which are carried through the winter months. Cosset it, for it is a thing of beauty indeed. Make sure that the soil is free draining, as one thing that Crinodendrons really dislike is getting waterlogged or too wet around their roots. The other thing to avoid is too much in the way of fertiliser, which can cause an adverse reaction: best to plant where the soil is fertile in itself, so additional feeding is not required.
You can prune to keep to desired size and shape: this is best done after flowering, but the shrub may also be tidied in mid-spring. Cutting some stems back hard can be a good idea, as this maintains a nice bushy shape.
This species of crinodendron is named in honour of William Jackson Hooker, who was director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in the mid nineteenth century. It was introduced to Britain in 1848 by Cornish botanist William Lobb for the then famous Veitch’s Nurseries, based in Exeter.
It is worth watching this short video just for the sight of a splendid specimen of Crinodendron Hookerianum in full flowering mode festooned with little red lanterns.
Crinodendron Hookerianum is a large hardy evergreen shrub with pointed leaves and hanging red flowers from spring to summer suitable for sun or semi-shade.
FOR AVAILABILITY ALERTS, PLEASE USE THE BUTTON ABOVE. TO ASK US A QUESTION RELATING TO THIS PLANT, USE THE FORM BELOW.