Eucryphia

A pretty white-flowered evergreen large shrub or small tree reaching about 8 metres in ten years. Ish. This one is a hybrid which emerged from Trengwainton Gardens in Cornwall. It’s a cross between two taller parents from the southern hemisphere; E. cordifolia from the temperate rain forests of Chile and E. lucida from Tasmania.

Vigorous in growth, with clean-cut oblong-ish glossy leaves with wavy edges that are dark green above and silvery below. Its hybrid vigour gives it rather bigger leaves and flowers than either of its parents: the flowers are quite dishy too, bright white and four-petalled, filled with a starburst of orange stamens.

This Eucryphia will tolerate less acidic soils better than most but bear in mind that tolerating doesn’t mean thriving. They’ll manage. If, however you’ve some deeply rich and deeply ericaceous stuff to plunge into though, this plant is magnificent.

We find it best sited in a sheltered spot away from cold winds. Being of temperate rainforest origins and accustomed to a jostling, thicket-y lifestyle where abundant secondary growth keeps the soil cool, you can imagine it being a very happy camper planted in loose groups or among taller, heftier neighbours who will protect it. Cool and moist is what you’re aiming for, at least for the roots.

Often listed as being suited to only the warmest and most Southern gardens but if your plot has a cosy microclimate away from chilly and drying winds then absolutely have a go. If you’ve got one established and happy north of the Midlands please get in touch.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.