Crinodendron - Lantern tree

The Crinodendron hookerianum is an evergreen bush, hardy down to -8°C (17.6°F), flowering with curious pendulous cherry red to pink flowers depending on the variety, in the shape of small lanterns, which earned it the common name of lantern tree. Native to Chile, this upright and bushy shrub will not exceed 4m (13ft) in height and 3m (10ft) in width. It has dark green evergreen foliage. Its remarkable flowering, lasting from May to September. Hardy down to -8°C (17.6°F), the Crinodendron hookerianum is a bush that requires shelter from cool winds and sun, plant it in partial shade, in a rich, acidic, peaty and moist soil, at the back of a border, against a west-facing wall or in a pot.

The Crinodendron patagua is more commonly known as Pataguas and differs from its cousin by being more vigorous, more tolerant to drought and limestone, and flowering with fringed white bell-shaped flowers, pleasantly scented. This semi-hardy bush will adapt to the climate of the English Channel and Brittany coasts as well as those of the South Atlantic or the Mediterranean. It can be easily grown in a large pot anywhere in central Europe, on the terrace during the warm season, and stored frost-free during winter.