Eucryphia: plant, cultivate and maintain

Botany

Eucryphia comprises 11 species of trees and bushes native to the southern hemisphere, particularly from the temperate regions of Australia, Tasmania, and Chile. They thrive in mild and humid oceanic climates and are not very hardy (the Eucryphia glutinosa is the most cold-resistant, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -15 °C). They primarily grow in rainforests and on acidic soil.

Eucryphia cordifolia: Botanical illustration

Eucryphia belong to the family Cunoniaceae, which includes little-known plants in France that are rarely cultivated, mainly originating from the southern hemisphere, particularly Chile and Australia. They were previously classified in the family Eucryphiaceae.

The name Eucryphia comes from the Greek Eu: “well” and Kryphios: “hidden”, referring to the sepals that meet at the top of the flower buds before they open. The species name of Eucryphia lucida alludes to the glossy leaves, while E. glutinosa refers to the sticky appearance of the young shoots, E. cordifolia denotes the heart-shaped leaves, and Eucryphia moorei was named in honour of Charles Moore, a 19th-century Scottish botanist who was the director of the botanical garden in Sydney (the E. moorei is native to Australia).

Eucryphia can reach heights of between 3 and 10 metres, depending on the species and growing conditions. They typically have a columnar habit, with a tall and narrow crown.

In summer, between July and September, Eucryphia display their splendid fragrant flowering, as a reward for the gardener who takes the effort to cultivate them. They bear very beautiful white or pale pink flowers, inserted at the axil of the leaves, either solitary or in pairs. Their flowers are simple, cup-shaped and more or less flattened, formed of four large petals surrounding a bouquet of stamens and styles. They somewhat resemble the flowers of wild roses. The flowers measure between 2 and 6 cm in diameter, except for Eucryphia milliganii, which has much smaller flowers, measuring 1 to 2 cm in diameter.

The flowers are generally fragrant, with a scent reminiscent of honey and linden. They are melliferous, attracting bees and many pollinating insects. The nectar of Eucryphia lucida in Tasmania and that of Eucryphia cordifolia in Chile both produce a renowned honey, with a fruity and exotic flavour, known respectively as Leatherwood Honey and Ulmo Honey.

The flowering of Eucryphia glutinosa, Eucryphia x nymansensis (photo Ashley Balsam) and Eucryphia cordifolia

Eucryphia generally have dark green and shiny leaves on the upper side, glaucous on the underside, except for the Eucryphia lucida ‘Gilt Edge’, which is distinguished by its beautifully variegated yellow foliage. The leaves of Eucryphia are elliptical to oblong, thick and leathery, measuring between 3 and 6 cm long. The edge of the lamina is dentate or smooth depending on the varieties. They are opposite, inserted in pairs, one facing the other on the branches. The leaves are generally simple, entire, but they can also be divided, as in the Eucryphia moorei. This one bears very beautiful foliage divided into 5 to 13 leaflets.

Eucryphia are evergreen to semi-evergreen (losing their leaves in harsh winters), except for Eucryphia glutinosa, which is deciduous. Its foliage takes on beautiful orange-red hues in autumn before falling.

After flowering, Eucryphia forms elongated, woody capsules, measuring 1 to 1.5 cm long, containing several winged seeds. They can remain on the tree for up to a year before opening to release the seeds. These are dispersed by the wind, their wings allowing them to fly, similar to the samaras of maples.

The foliage of Eucryphia glutinosa and Eucryphia moorei (photos: Krzysztof Golik), and the fruits of Eucryphia cordifolia (photo: Dick Culber)

The main varieties of Eucryphia

The most popular varieties

Our favourite varieties

Eucryphia x intermedia Rostrevor

A hybrid between Eucryphia glutinosa (which it has inherited hardiness from) and Eucryphia lucida, this particularly floriferous variety is covered in summer with countless white flowers, pleasantly scented. Its qualities have earned it the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time September, October
• Height at maturity 6,50 m

See the product sheet

Eucryphia lucida Pink cloud

This variety features very beautiful pale pink flowers, with a dark red centre and outer edges of a more pronounced pink. Its particularly romantic flowering is much appreciated!

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Eucryphia lucida Gilt Edge

This variety is distinguished by its variegated foliage: it bears narrow green leaves beautifully marginate with yellow. It also offers superb white flowers in summer.

• Flowering time September, October
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

 

Eucryphia lucida Ballerina

This variety bears white flowers, with the centre and outer edge of the flower in pink. They resemble the flowers of Eucryphia ‘Pink Cloud’, but have a slightly more pronounced hue.

• Flowering time September, October
• Height at maturity 6 m

See the product sheet

Eucryphia moorei

Eucryphia moorei offers superb finely cut foliage: each leaf is divided into 5 to 13 oblong leaflets. It also bears beautiful small white flowers. Not very hardy, it tolerates temperatures down to -2 °C and a maximum of -5 °C.

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 8 m

See the product sheet

 

Young plantation

Where to plant Eucryphia?

Eucryphia is not very hardy: it needs a mild climate, where the risk of frost is low, but also humid. In France, it particularly thrives in Brittany and Normandy, near the English Channel or along the Atlantic coast. You can also place it near a pond so it can benefit from the ambient moisture. Eucryphia are not really suited to the Mediterranean climate, as it is too hot and dry for them in summer.

Eucryphia prefers light, humus-bearing, fertile soils. It does not like drought: it needs fresh but well-draining soil, without excess moisture in winter. Eucryphia cordifolia and Eucryphia x nymansensis are the only ones that tolerate limestone; other species prefer rather acidic soil: do not hesitate to add heather soil at the time of planting.

Eucryphia will thrive in full sun or partial shade. Generally, it likes to have its roots in the shade, cool, and its head in the sun, which will encourage generous flowering. Be careful to avoid hot and dry situations, and place it, if possible, sheltered from the wind, protected by a hedge, walls, or a garden shed…

Choose its location carefully as Eucryphia does not like to be transplanted (its roots are fragile). It is not suitable for pot cultivation.

When to plant?

We recommend planting Eucryphia in spring, around May, after the last frosts. If you live in a region with a mild climate, where the risk of frost is low, you can also plant it in autumn (September-October).

How to plant?

1. Start by placing the root ball in a basin of water to rehydrate it.
2. Dig a large planting hole, two to three times the size of the root ball.
3. Add heather soil and a bit of compost, which you will mix with the planting soil. If your soil tends to retain water, you can also add some coarse sand to improve drainage.
4. Plant the Eucryphia well in the centre, ensuring it is upright.
5. Replace soil all around, without burying the collar, then lightly firm it down.
6. Do not hesitate to install a stake to keep the Eucryphia upright.
7. You can also create a watering basin to facilitate water infiltration at its roots.
8. Water generously.

Eucryphia milliganii, a lovely bush distinguished by its small oblong leaves and small white flowers

Maintenance

Once established, Eucryphia requires little maintenance, as it has the advantage of being resistant to diseases and parasites, and it does not require pruning. However, it is possible to prune it if you deem it necessary, in order to remove dead, damaged, or poorly placed branches. Intervene after flowering.

Eucryphia does not tolerate drought: it needs the soil to remain relatively cool in summer, so do not hesitate to water regularly, preferably with rainwater. We recommend mulching Eucryphia by placing a layer of pine bark mulch at its base. This will help keep the soil cool for longer. You can also plant ground cover plants at its feet, which will help retain soil moisture.

Each year, you can top-dress by adding heather soil and a bit of compost, which you will incorporate into the soil with light raking.

During the first few years, do not hesitate to protect Eucryphia during severe frosts by covering it with a winter fleece.

Multiplication

It is possible to propagate Eucryphia by sowing; however, we recommend propagation by cuttings as this technique will ensure a better success rate.

Propagation by Cuttings

Eucryphia can be multiplied by taking cuttings of semi-woody stems in summer, around July.

1. Take a healthy, semi-woody shoot (soft at the tip and lignified at the base), 8 to 10 cm long, cutting just below a node (the point where leaves attach to the stem).
2. Remove the leaves from the lower part, leaving only 2 or 3 at the tip of the shoot. Also, remove any flowers or flower buds if you see them.
3. Dip the base of the stem in plant hormone.
4. Fill a pot with light, well-draining compost, then water.
5. Plant the stem in the substrate, then firm the soil around it to eliminate air bubbles and ensure good contact between the shoot and the substrate.
6. Place the pot in a sheltered location, in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight.

Eucryphia cuttings can take between one to six months to root. Ensure the soil remains moist until they establish by watering regularly. Keep the young plants sheltered over winter, then repot them in larger pots the following spring to support their growth.

For more information, feel free to consult our advice page on propagation by cuttings.

Association

As it thrives in acidic, cool, and well-drained soil, and enjoys having its roots in the shade, do not hesitate to pair Eucryphia with heather soil shrubs, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, Pieris japonica, Daphnes, Japanese maples, and hydrangeas. Discover the Crinodendron hookerianum, charmingly nicknamed Lantern Tree, a shrub that offers lovely red bells from May to September. Also consider the azaleas from the ‘Encore’ series, which bloom two to three times a year, in successive waves from spring to autumn. Alongside them, you can incorporate a Japanese maple, for example, the variety ‘Summer Gold’, whose golden foliage will bring plenty of brightness!

Find our entire range of heather soil shrubs by clicking here.

To maintain a cool and shaded soil while highlighting its silhouette, you can pair Eucryphia with low-growing, spreading ground cover shrubs. Consider, for example, the ‘Pink Cascade’ azalea, which does not exceed 50 cm in height, Cotoneaster dammeri, heathers, and the creeping spindle tree Euonymus fortunei ‘Radicans’.

Nandina domestica, Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’, Acer palmatum ‘Summer Gold’, Crinodendron hookerianum, Daphne ‘Eternal Fragrance’ and Azalea ‘Encore Sangria’ (photo David J. Stang)

→ Discover more pairing ideas with Eucryphia in our advice sheet!