Eucryphia cordifolia. Ulmo
In late January and February this small tree is in full flower and usually covered in bees. As a summer flowering tree or shrub it makes an impact when there are few other flowering trees and shrubs around.
The genus Eucryphia is made up of 6 species of evergreen or semi-deciduous trees from the southern hemisphere. All species have beautiful white flowers like small single roses with 4 petals and a ‘boss’ of red-tipped stamens. 2 species are native to Chile and 4 to Australia. Eucryphias have been grown for more than a century. Several garden hybrids are more vigorous and floriferous than the species. E lucida is best known for the aromatic honey made from its abundant, fragrant, early summer flowers.
Eucryphia cordifolia or ulmo is from the coastal rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina where its native habitat is threatened by logging. Its oblong, shiny, dark green, leathery leaves are about 5cm long and are gray beneath.
Masses of beautiful white flowers 5 cm across are borne singly in late summer and seem to burst out of nowhere from between the leaves. Bees love it in mid-summer and produce an aromatic honey branded as ‘Ulmo Honey’
In very mild, wet climates it grows tall and slender, up to 6–8 m in about 10 years. Its timber is used in Chile for construction and firewood.
Generally frost hardy in Christchurch New Zealand it likes a humid microclimate (but also grows in dryer climates) and constant soil moisture combined with good drainage and a pH a little acid. Little pruning has to be undertaken to ensure a good shape. It grows well in conjunction with other plants. For really good flowering the tree crown must be in the sun and the roots shaded. It is very resistant to pest and diseases. Propagation is by seed or semi hard cuttings taken in February.
This small tree deserves a place in all gardens because it is evergreen, flowers in summer and provides food for bees which produce honey.
Futher photos can be seen on my Pinterest page for Eucryphia cordifolia
The genus Eucryphia is made up of 6 species of evergreen or semi-deciduous trees from the southern hemisphere. All species have beautiful white flowers like small single roses with 4 petals and a ‘boss’ of red-tipped stamens. 2 species are native to Chile and 4 to Australia. Eucryphias have been grown for more than a century. Several garden hybrids are more vigorous and floriferous than the species. E lucida is best known for the aromatic honey made from its abundant, fragrant, early summer flowers.
Eucryphia cordifolia or ulmo is from the coastal rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina where its native habitat is threatened by logging. Its oblong, shiny, dark green, leathery leaves are about 5cm long and are gray beneath.
Masses of beautiful white flowers 5 cm across are borne singly in late summer and seem to burst out of nowhere from between the leaves. Bees love it in mid-summer and produce an aromatic honey branded as ‘Ulmo Honey’
In very mild, wet climates it grows tall and slender, up to 6–8 m in about 10 years. Its timber is used in Chile for construction and firewood.
Generally frost hardy in Christchurch New Zealand it likes a humid microclimate (but also grows in dryer climates) and constant soil moisture combined with good drainage and a pH a little acid. Little pruning has to be undertaken to ensure a good shape. It grows well in conjunction with other plants. For really good flowering the tree crown must be in the sun and the roots shaded. It is very resistant to pest and diseases. Propagation is by seed or semi hard cuttings taken in February.
This small tree deserves a place in all gardens because it is evergreen, flowers in summer and provides food for bees which produce honey.
Futher photos can be seen on my Pinterest page for Eucryphia cordifolia