Crinodendron patagua

Crinodendron patagua, also known as Tricuspidaria dependens, is commonly called Patagua or Patahua. This hardy bush, which can withstand temperatures as low as -8°C (17.6°F) in a sheltered position, has evergreen dark green leaves and produces pleasantly fragrant white flowers with fringed bell-shaped petals in late summer. More vigorous and more tolerant of drought and limestone than its famous cousin the Chilean Lantern Tree (Crinodendron hookerianum), it will adapt to most climates. It can be easily grown in a large pot on a terrace during the summer and stored frost-free in winter.

Crinodendron patagua belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family. It is native to the hills overlooking the city of Valparaiso, a region located in central Chile that experiences a Mediterranean-type climate, with dry summers (lasting 4 to 5 months) and humid winters. This upright, bushy shrub can reach a height of 8 to 9m (26 to 30ft) in the wild, but in our gardens it will not exceed 4m (13ft) in height with a 2m (7ft) spread. It has evergreen oval leaves, measuring 3 to 7cm (1 to 3in) long, dark green on the upper side and with a velvety underside. The beautiful fragrant flowering occurs in August-September. The axillary flowers are white, solitary or grouped in pairs, bell-shaped and 2 to 3cm (1 to 2in) long, with fringed petals. They are pendulous and have long pedicels. Its flowering appears on plants that are already more than 5 years old.

Crinodendron patagua is a beautiful fragrant bush for the terrace, offering the advantage of flowering in late summer, when many other plants go dormant. It will thrive in the ground in mild climates, alongside Chilean Myrtle (Myrtus luma) and Azara serrata, behind a bed of perennials (Autumn Asters, Ceratostigma, summer heathers) or small shrubs (hardy Fuchsias, Magellan Fuchsia, small hydrangeas, Embothrium coccineum, compact Escallonias).