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, able to withstand temperatures down to -15°C). They grow mainly in rainforests and on acidic soil.

Eucryphia cordifolia: Botanical illustration

Eucryphias belong to the Cunoniaceae family, which includes plants little known in France and rarely cultivated, mainly 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, that of E. glutinosa refers to the sticky appearance of young shoots, E. cordifolia denotes the heart-shaped leaves, while Eucryphia moorei was named in honour of Charles Moore, a 19th-century Scottish botanist who was director of the Sydney botanical garden (E. moorei is native to Australia).

Eucryphias reach between 3 and 10 metres in height, depending on the species and growing conditions. They generally have a columnar habit, with a tall, narrow crown.

In summer, between July and September, Eucryphias display their splendid fragrant flowering, like a reward for the gardener who takes the trouble to cultivate them. They then bear very beautiful white or pale pink flowers, inserted in the axil of the leaves, solitary or in pairs. Their flowers are single, in a more or less flattened cup shape, formed of four large petals surrounding a cluster of stamens and styles. They somewhat resemble dog 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 generally fragrant, with a scent reminiscent of honey and lime. 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 renowned honeys with a fruity, exotic flavour, called 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, shiny leaves on the upper side, glaucous on the underside, except for Eucryphia lucida ‘Gilt Edge’, which stands out for its foliage beautifully variegated with yellow. The leaves of Eucryphias are elliptical to oblong, thick and leathery, and measure 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 generally single, entire, but they can also be divided, as in Eucryphia moorei. This one bears very beautiful foliage divided into 5 to 13 leaflets.

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

After flowering, the Eucryphia forms oblong, woody capsules, 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 wing allowing them to fly away, 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

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 countless white, pleasantly fragrant flowers in summer. 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 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 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 with low frost risk, but also humid conditions. In France, it thrives particularly in Brittany and Normandy, near the Channel or along the Atlantic coast. You can also plant it near a pond to benefit from the ambient humidity. Eucryphias are not well-suited to Mediterranean climates, as they are too hot and dry for them in summer.

Eucryphia prefers light, humus-bearing, fertile soils. It dislikes drought: it needs moist yet well-draining soil, without excessive winter wetness. Eucryphia cordifolia and Eucryphia x nymansensis are the only species that tolerate lime; other species prefer rather acidic soil—don’t hesitate to add heather soil at planting time.

Eucryphia thrives in full sun or partial shade. Generally, it prefers its roots in the shade, keeping cool, and its crown in the sun, which encourages abundant flowering. Be cautious—avoid hot, dry spots and, if possible, shelter it from wind, protected by a hedge, walls, or a garden shed…

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

When to Plant?

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

How to Plant?

1. Start by soaking 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 some compost, mixing them with the planting soil. If your soil tends to retain water, you can also add coarse sand to improve drainage.
4. Plant the Eucryphia right in the centre, ensuring it stands straight.
5. Backfill with soil, avoiding burying the collar, then firm gently.
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 delicate white flowers

Maintenance

Once established, the Eucryphia requires little maintenance, as it has the advantage of being resistant to diseases and parasitic organisms, and does well without pruning. However, you may prune it if you deem necessary, to remove dead, damaged or poorly placed branches. Carry this out after flowering.

The Eucryphia does not tolerate drought: it needs the soil to remain relatively cool in summer, so don’t hesitate to water 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 little compost, which you can work into the soil with light raking.

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

Propagation

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 shoot (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 on the lower part, leaving only 2 or 3 at the tip of the shoot. Also remove any flowers or flower buds if present.
3. Dip the base of the stem in plant hormone for cuttings.
4. Fill a pot with light, well-draining compost, then water.
5. Plant the stem in the substrate, then firm it gently to eliminate air pockets and ensure good contact between the shoot and the substrate.
6. Place the pot in a sheltered, bright spot, out of 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 over winter, then repot them the following spring into larger pots to support their growth.

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

Association

As it thrives in acidic, cool, and well-drained soil and appreciates 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 flower 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 full range of heather soil bushes by clicking here.

To maintain cool, shaded soil while showcasing its silhouette, you can pair Eucryphia with low-growing, spreading groundcover bushes. Consider, for example, the azalea ‘Pink Cascade’, which does not exceed 50 cm in height, 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!