Eucryphia: planting, growing and caring for

Botany

Eucryphia include 11 species of trees and shrubs native to the Southern Hemisphere, notably temperate regions of Australia, Tasmania and Chile. They favour mild, humid oceanic climates and are not very hardy (Eucryphia glutinosa is the most cold-tolerant, able to withstand down to −15 °C). They grow mainly in rainforests and on acidic soils.

Eucryphia cordifolia: Botanical illustration

Eucryphia belong to family Cunoniaceae, a group little known in France and rarely cultivated, mainly native to the Southern Hemisphere, notably Chile and Australia. They were formerly classed in family Eucryphiaceae.

Name Eucryphia comes from Greek Eu: “well” and Kryphios: “hidden”, referring to the sepals that meet at tip of floral buds before they open. Specific epithet of Eucryphia lucida refers to shiny leaves, that of E. glutinosa to sticky aspect of young shoots, E. cordifolia denotes heart-shaped leaves, while Eucryphia moorei was named in honour of Charles Moore, a Scottish botanist of the 19^th century who served as director of the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney ( E. moorei is native to Australia).

Eucryphia reach between 3 and 10 metres in height, depending on species and growing conditions. They commonly develop a columnar habit, with a high, narrow crown.

In summer, between July and September, Eucryphia produce their splendid, scented display of flowers, a reward for gardeners who take the trouble to grow them. They bear beautiful white or pale pink flowers, borne in leaf axils, solitary or in pairs. Flowers are simple, cup-shaped to somewhat flattened, with four large petals surrounding a cluster of stamens and styles. They somewhat resemble dog-rose flowers. Flower diameter ranges from 2 to 6 cm, except in Eucryphia milliganii, which has much smaller flowers of 1–2 cm across.

Flowers are usually fragrant, with a scent reminiscent of honey and lime blossom. They are melliferous, attracting bees and numerous insect pollinators. Nectar of Eucryphia lucida in Tasmania and of Eucryphia cordifolia in Chile both produce renowned honey with fruity, exotic flavours, known respectively as Leatherwood honey and Ulmo honey.

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

Eucryphia generally have dark green leaves glossy above, glaucous beneath, except for Eucryphia lucida ‘Gilt Edge’, which is distinguished by foliage nicely variegated with yellow. Eucryphia leaves are elliptical to oblong, thick and leathery, measuring 3–6 cm long. Leaf margin may be toothed or smooth depending on variety. Leaves are opposite, inserted in pairs, one opposite the other on the branches. Leaves are generally simple and entire, but can be divided, as in Eucryphia moorei, which bears very attractive foliage divided into 5 to 13 leaflets.

Eucryphia are evergreen to semi-evergreen (losing leaves in severe winters), except Eucryphia glutinosa, which is deciduous. Its foliage turns attractive orange–red tones in autumn before falling.

After flowering, Eucryphia form oblong, woody capsules 1–1.5 cm long, containing several winged seeds. Capsules may remain on the tree for up to a year before opening to release seeds. Seeds are wind-dispersed, their wing allowing them to be carried away, similar to samaras of maples.

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

Main varieties of Eucryphia

Most popular varieties

Our favourite varieties

Eucryphia x intermedia Rostrevor

Hybrid between Eucryphia glutinosa (from which it has inherited its hardiness) and Eucryphia lucida, this particularly floriferous variety is covered in summer with countless white, pleasantly scented flowers. 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 full description

Eucryphia lucida Pink cloud

This variety produces very pretty pale pink flowers with a red–deep pink centre and slightly darker pink outer edges. Its particularly romantic flowering is much admired!

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

See the full description

Eucryphia lucida Gilt Edge

This variety is notable for its variegated foliage: narrow green leaves attractively margined in yellow. It also produces superb white flowers in summer.

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

See the full description

 

Eucryphia lucida Ballerina

This variety bears white flowers with the centre and outer edge of the flower pink. They resemble the flowers of Eucryphia ‘Pink Cloud’ but have a slightly stronger shade.

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

See the full description

Eucryphia moorei

Eucryphia moorei has superb, finely divided foliage: each leaf is divided into 5 to 13 oblong leaflets. It also bears lovely small white flowers. Not very hardy, it tolerates down to -2 °C, possibly -5 °C at most.

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

See the full description

 

Planting

Where to plant Eucryphia?

Eucryphia is not very hardy: it needs a mild climate with low risk of frost, and also moisture. In France, it will do well in Brittany and Normandy, near the English Channel or along the Atlantic coast. You can also plant it near a pond so it benefits from ambient humidity. Eucryphia are not really suited to Mediterranean climate, which is too hot and dry for them in summer.

Eucryphia favours light, humus-rich, fertile soil. It does not tolerate drought: it needs cool yet well-draining soil, without excess winter moisture. Eucryphia cordifolia and Eucryphia x nymansensis are the only ones to tolerate lime; other species prefer rather acidic soil: feel free to add some heather soil at planting time.

Eucryphia will do well in sun or partial shade. In general, it likes roots in shade, kept cool, and crown in sun, which will promote generous flowering. Avoid hot, dry sites, and if possible place it sheltered from wind, for example protected by a hedge, walls, or garden shed.

Choose location carefully because Eucryphia does not like being transplanted (roots are fragile). It is not suitable for growing in pots.

When to plant?

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

How to plant?

1. Start by placing the rootball in a tub of water so it can rehydrate.
2. Dig a large planting hole, two to three times the size of the rootball.
3. Add some heather soil and a little compost, mixing these with the backfill. If your soil tends to retain water, you can also add some coarse sand to improve drainage.
4. Place Eucryphia in the centre, ensuring it stands upright.
5. Backfill around it, taking care not to bury the collar, then firm the soil lightly.
6. Feel free to install a stake so Eucryphia remains upright.
7. You can also create a watering basin to help water soak into the soil around its base.
8. Water generously.

→ Gwenaëlle explains in this tutorial how to plant a tree in heather soil.

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

Care

Once established, Eucryphia requires little maintenance, as it is resistant to diseases and pests and does not normally need pruning. However, you can prune it if necessary to remove dead, damaged or poorly placed branches. Prune 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 the soil stay cool for longer. You can also plant groundcover plants at its base to help retain soil moisture.

You can topdress each year by adding heather soil and a little compost, which you should work into the soil with a light raking.

During the first few years, protect Eucryphia during severe frosts by covering it with a fleece.

Multiplication

Eucryphia can be propagated by sowing, however we recommend propagation by cuttings instead; this technique will provide a higher success rate.

Propagation by cuttings

Eucryphia can be propagated by 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 (point where leaves attach to the stem).
2. Remove leaves from the lower part, leaving only 2 or 3 at the tip of the shoot. Also remove any flowers or flower buds you see.
3. Dip the base of the stem in plant hormone for cuttings.
4. Fill a pot with light, free-draining potting compost, then water.
5. Plant the stem in the substrate, then firm the substrate well around it to expel air bubbles 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 can take between one and six months to root. Ensure the soil remains moist until they have rooted by watering regularly. Keep young plants under cover for the winter, then repot them the following spring into larger pots to support their development.

To find out more, please consult our advice sheet on propagation by cuttings

Association

As it thrives in acidic, moist, well‑drained soil and likes to have its roots in 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 bears delightful red bells from May to September. Also consider azaleas from the ‘Encore’ series, which flower two to three times a year in successive waves from spring to autumn. Beside them, you can add a Japanese maple, for example the cultivar ‘Summer Gold’, whose golden foliage will add plenty of brightness!

Find our full range of heather soil shrubs by clicking here: all our heather soil shrubs.

To keep soil cool and shaded while highlighting its silhouette, you can pair Eucryphia with low, spreading groundcover shrubs. Think, for example, of 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 Eucryphia in our advice sheet!