Eucryphia. (intermedia?)
I am not sure of what species or hybrid this is, as most are Japanese Maple size and this guy is much taller. Their amazing feature is the AUGUST bloom period. My first experience with this magnificent tree was at Whitney Gardens in Brinnon WA., circa the mid seventies. This is a magnificient seven acre nursery to visit!
The two-inch white flowers resemble apple blossoms -- even in their frangrace! They are August bloomers and the picture to follow is from the same garden I started at, Alton Duflon's, in Sequim WA. The tree will grow in full sun or light shade. It prefers well-drained soils, preferably on the acid side. This New Zealand/Chilean native dislikes hot, dry summer weather but thrives near the coast. Once established it is hardy into the teens.
The following picture is a closeup of the flowers.
This ancient species is a survivor of Gondwanaland, combination of Australia, Antartica, Australia and parts of South Africa. New Zealand was not in the dance. Nonethess, Eucryphis survived in Tasmana and in Chili. Their brethrin in Antartica, as well as Nothofagus (Antarctic Beech) survive only as fossil remains.
There are two main species. Eucryphia glutinosa which is the hardiest of the species. It originates from Chili. Size variation is to be expected.
Eucryphia lucida is a more tender tree and is hardy only in the most protected of localities in our climate zone. Some blossoms can be pink.
E. x intermedia is a cross between these two species and is usually quite hardy. It thrives in this Dungeness garden of Rhododenrons and competes quite well with the knuckle bruiser Bay laurel it was paired with.
(c) 2009 Herb Senft
