Eucryphia: Planting, Growing and Caring

botany

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

Eucryphia cordifolia: Botanical illustration

Eucryphias belong to the Cunoniaceae family, which includes plants little known in France and rarely cultivated, primarily native to the southern hemisphere, particularly Chile and Australia. They were previously classified in the Eucryphiaceae family.

The name Eucryphia comes from the Greek Eu: “well” and Kryphios: “hidden,” alluding to the sepals that join at the top of the flower buds before they open. The species name of Eucryphia lucida refers to its shiny leaves, while E. glutinosa refers to the sticky texture of its young shoots. E. cordifolia denotes heart-shaped leaves, and Eucryphia moorei was named in honour of Charles Moore, a 19th-century Scottish botanist who directed the Sydney Botanical Garden (the E. moorei is native to Australia).

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

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

The flowers are usually fragrant, with a scent reminiscent of honey and lime. They are melliferous, attracting bees and numerous pollinating insects. The nectar of Eucryphia lucida in Tasmania and Eucryphia cordifolia in Chile produces renowned honey with a fruity, exotic flavour, known as Leatherwood Honey and Ulmo Honey, respectively.

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

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

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

After flowering, Eucryphias form oblong, woody capsules, 1 to 1.5 cm long, containing several winged seeds. These can remain on the tree for up to a year before opening to release the seeds. The seeds are dispersed by the wind, their wings allowing them to fly, much like maple samaras.

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 (from which it inherits its hardiness) and Eucryphia lucida, this particularly floriferous variety is covered in summer with countless white flowers, pleasantly fragrant. Its qualities 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 offers very beautiful pale pink flowers, with a dark red-pink 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 stands out for its variegated foliage: it bears narrow green leaves beautifully marginate with yellow. It also produces stunning 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 divided foliage: each leaf is divided into 5 to 13 oblong leaflets. It also bears beautiful small white flowers. Not very hardy, it can withstand temperatures down to -2°C or at most -5°C.

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

See the product sheet

 

Planting

Where to Plant Eucryphia?

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

Eucryphia prefers light, humus-bearing, fertile soils. It dislikes drought: it needs cool but well-draining soil, without excessive moisture in winter. Eucryphia cordifolia and Eucryphia x nymansensis are the only species that tolerate limestone; the others prefer rather acidic soil: don’t hesitate to add heather soil at planting time.

Eucryphia will thrive in full sun or partial shade. Generally, it likes its roots in the shade, in cool conditions, and its head in the sun, which will encourage abundant flowering. Be careful to avoid hot, dry locations, and if possible, place it in a sheltered spot, protected by a hedge, walls, a garden shed, etc.

Choose its location carefully, as Eucryphia dislikes being transplanted (its roots are fragile). It is not suitable for container growing.

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 little compost, mixing them 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 right in the centre, ensuring it stands straight.
5. Replace the soil around it, without burying the collar, and lightly firm it down.
6. Consider staking the Eucryphia to keep it upright.
7. You can also create a watering basin to help water infiltrate around its base.
8. Water generously.

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

Maintenance

Once planted, the Eucryphia requires little maintenance, as it has the advantage of being resistant to diseases and parasites, and it does well without pruning. However, you can prune it if you deem it necessary, to remove dead, damaged, or poorly placed branches. Prune after flowering.

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

Each year, you can top-dress by adding heather soil and a bit of compost, which you can lightly rake into the soil.

During the first few years, don’t hesitate to protect the Eucryphia from severe frosts by covering it with winter fleece.

Multiplication

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

Propagation by Cuttings

Eucryphia can be propagated by semi-woody stem cuttings in summer, around July.

1. Take a healthy, semi-woody branch (tender 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 branch. 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 it gently around the base to eliminate air pockets and ensure good contact between the branch and the substrate.
6. Place the pot in a sheltered, bright spot, away from direct sunlight.

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

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

Association

Since it thrives in acidic, cool, and well-drained soil and enjoys having its base in the shade, don’t hesitate to pair Eucryphia with heather soil bushes, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, Pieris japonica, Daphnes, Japanese Maples, and hydrangeas. Discover the Crinodendron hookerianum, charmingly nicknamed the Lantern Tree, a bush that offers delightful red bell-shaped flowers from May to September. Also consider the ‘Encore’ series azaleas, 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 bushes by clicking here.

To maintain cool and shaded soil while highlighting its silhouette, you can pair Eucryphia with low-growing, spreading ground-cover bushes. Consider, for example, the azalea ‘Pink Cascade’, which doesn’t exceed 50 cm in height, the Cotoneaster dammeri, heathers, and the creeping spindle 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 ideas for pairing with Eucryphia in our advice sheet!