Crinodendron hookerianum
Lantern tree
- Height × spread
- 3m × 1.5m
- Position
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & early Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is considered by Hilliers to be one of the gems of their garden though, regrettably, it cannot be grown in every garden as it requires a lime-free soil and a mild location. The plant bears masses of red flowers that look like enchanting little red lanterns and which hang from the branches in May. There are fruits later. The plant is vulnerable to damage by winds and frosts. It has dark green, narrow, glossy leaves which are silver on their undersides.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 3m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Height in 10 years
- 2.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves are prickly
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Apply acidic mulch
Where soil is only just acidic, apply mulch with a high acidic content such as leaf mould, or mulch for ericaceous plants. Alternatively the plant can benefit from a feed of iron supplement (iron chelate) such as sequestrol.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring · Planting
Prune lightly after flowering
Give the plant a light haircut, generally tidying it up and removing any shoots that are wayward or damaged in any way. Dead flowers can be cut off if this is practical - the shrub may have too many, or they may be hard to reach.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.