Re: Crinodendron hookerianum
- Subject: Re: Crinodendron hookerianum
- From: Tony and Moira Ryan t*@xtra.co.nz
- Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 11:24:15 +1300
Tristram Smyth wrote:
>
> Has anyone got any experience of growing this small tree/large
> shrub, commonly known as Lantern tree?
>
> I saw one in a public garden in SW France one spring - delightful
> sight in flower. I live in coastal SW England (zone 8/9) and
> wondered about the chances of it surviving here.
>
> Appreciate any input
>
Tristram
Not only should this plant survive your climate, it should actively
welcome it as it is no heat lover. Its requirements are very much the
same as Rhododendrons, as it especially enjoys a moist cool acid soil.
Surprisingly, in view of Einon's warning on wond damage, my book says
"In some parts of England this shrub is so easily grown it is employed
as a windbreak, also happily adjusting itself to constant clipping". I
can only guess that folk in England have much less wind to contend with
than they do in Wales and Ireland (not to mention NZ!)
Summer root dryness is to be avoided, as it can preciptate spider mite
attacks.
It is certainly a beautiful shrub and a distinct ornament to any garden
big enough to accomodate it.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan,
Wainuiomata, North Island, NZ. Pictures of our garden at:-
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cherie1/Garden/TonyandMoira/index.htm
