Crinodendron hookerianum 'Alf Robbins' (PBR)
lantern tree
- Position: partial shade (or full sun if their roots are kept cool)
- Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained soil, humus-rich acid soil
- Rate of growth: initially slow-growing
- Flowering period: May to August
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
This new (and still quite rare) Crinodendron is the first of its kind to produce white flowers - and they really stand out against the backdrop of rich green foliage, which is retained throughout the year. The waxy, lantern-like flowers appear over a long period, first starting to open in late spring and often still going strong at the end of summer, and although relatively small, they do tend to be generous in number. It's and interesting addition to a sheltered garden with acidic soil.
- Garden care: After flowering lightly cut back any shoots that spoil the symmetry of the plant. Protect from excessive cold and frost in more exposed gardens.