Crinodendron hookerianum

Introduced from Chile in 1848, Crinodendron hookerianum has colourful, lantern-like flowers which makes it one of the most striking evergreen shrubs in cultivation. The name comes from the Greek words 'krinon' meaning 'lily' and dendron meaning 'tree'. In midsummer Crinodendron bears beautiful crimson flowers, each suspended on a long stalk.

A similar but slightly more unusual cultivar also exists called Crinodendron hookerianum 'Ada Hoffman', which has delicate pale pink flowers.

Also known as the Chilean lantern tree due to the shape of the colourful flowers, we find this a difficult plant to grow in our gardens in Derbyshire. Although they thrive with us during the summer, the strong cold winter winds we tend to get disagree with them.

Although hardy, Crinodendron hookerianum always seem to do best in warm areas, preferably planted next to west facing walls or fences. In very cold winters the leaves may bruise or sometimes fall but are generally regenerated the following year.