Eucryphia cordifolia

One of the few eucryphias which does not have to have neutral to acid soil, Eucryphia cordifolia is potentially a tall evergreen tree, sometimes a multi-stemmed tree or tall shrub with a strongly upright habit. The oblong, leathery leaves are deep, glossy green above, grey and felty below, and have slightly toothed edges. In late summer, scented, white, four-petalled flowers, nearly 2”/4-5cm across, with a ring of  terracotta stamens, are usually alive with bees, who produce a particularly nutritious manuka-like honey from them. Ulmo does particularly well in damper, milder parts of the country; it needs protection from strong winds, as the branches are fragile, and prefers to have its roots shaded and its head in the sun.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any cool, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Late summer
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: up to 65’ (20m) Spread: 26’ (8m)