Chilean lantern tree Crinodendron hookerianum
Chilean lantern tree (Crinodendron hookerianum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Elaeocarpaceae family, native to Southern Chile (Valdivian forest). It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
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Chilean lantern tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Elaeocarpaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Chile (Valdivian forest) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Chilean lantern tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chilean lantern tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Chilean lantern tree
- How far apart should I plant Chilean lantern tree?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Chilean lantern tree need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chilean lantern tree need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chilean lantern tree?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Chilean lantern tree flower?
- From about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chilean lantern tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
- What grows well with Chilean lantern tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chilean lantern tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Rows of crimson lantern flowers hang on long stalks in late spring; for sheltered, acid, moist gardens like Ireland and Cornwall.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Maqui berry Aristotelia chilensis
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides