Crinodendron hookerianum

Rare small evergreen tree from Chile 10-15’ tall with leathery deep green leaves; eye catching red lantern flowers dangle from branches at any time from spring through fall. Needs a cool, moist site protected from wind...dislikes heat (enjoys the coast). Rich moist soil and light shade.

C. HOOKERIANUM - is a large tender (California coast) evergreen shrub. The narrow leaves make a handsome backdrop to the red strawberry looking flowers. Rarely offered but when happy can be stunning with literally thousands of red flowers. Plants are small but better to plant this size.

This is a rarely grown evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, narrow and toothed leaves and an upright habit. The amazing flowers appear in late spring on the ends of long pendulous stalks. They are large, bright red and urn-shaped with a very thick and fleshy texture, really quite stunning. To quote Bean “one of the most attractive of all shrubs”. Native to temperate forests in S Chile. May suffer some damage in very cold winters but comes back rapidly from old wood or the roots. Best in light shade.

From the temperate rain forest of southern Chile, this 30' -- but more likely 10-15' in the garden -- evergreen creates a narrow pyramid of 2", glossy leaves and maroon pink lanterns, most abundant in spring but sporadically throughout the year. A lover of damp cool conditions, alas it is a plant for the cool conservatory or along the Pacific West Coast. Sun in the coolest of coastal areas to dappled shade and away from drying winds inland. Even moisture and humidity. Plant with the Lapagerias. One old plant in the MacDonald garden of Portland, though suffering a couple of set backs over the years, is a fine specimen of about 8'. Mid USDA Zone 8, a bit lower with protection.

One of the woody plants that we recommend to people if they want to be garden showoffs. (and really, who doesn't have a little of that?) This has the most outrageous red hanging lantern flowers - we just never fall to be thrilled by the sight. Prefers a cool sheltered spot.

One of those enigmatic Chilean beauties that is gradually becoming a little more common in gardens, this plant represents a surprisingly cold tolerant and temperate species within a mostly tropical family of plants. Narrow, deep green evergreen leaves have appealing serration and pale center vein. The flowers, produced in mid-spring, appear as little bright red “lanterns” that don't open fully (how this leads to seed production I have yet to research). Planted where the evening sun can illuminate the “lanterns,” the overall effect is exquisite! It will appreciate moist soil in sun to part shade, but is not appropriate for blasting all day sun and drought, or poor rocky soil. Usually shrubby and multi-stemmed in cultivation, it can eventually reach 10 - 15' tall. In the Seattle area it grows pretty well with plenty of water, but it is really happiest (and will grow much larger!) right on the immediate coast, where fog and rain are much more regular occurrences. Generally hardy to around 15 °F, though I've seen it survive a little colder than that in some instances - and it never fails to return from the lower parts of the plant if the top is damaged by cold. Chile.

Incredible brilliant red lantern shaped flowers adorn the multistem large shrub in late spring. Needs cool, moist soil and protection from hot sun. Chilean.

Produces fleshy red lanterns from spring to summer.