Eucryphia moorei

The Eucryphia moorei, also known as Moore's Eucryphia or Pinkwood in its native country, is a beautiful evergreen bush native to the moist forests of southeastern Australia. Capable of reaching the size of a small tree in favourable climates, it charms with its white summer flowering of rare generosity, complemented by an elegant foliage with beautiful dark green colour. This plant, which requires delicate care, is not very hardy and can only be acclimated in the ground in well-sheltered gardens in coastal areas. It should be planted in partial shade and protected from drying winds, in acidic to neutral, well-drained, and moist soil.

Eucryphia moorei belongs to the Cunoniaceae family, which includes about 300 species of trees and shrubs found in temperate to tropical regions of the southern hemisphere. In nature, this tree grows on moist slopes adjacent to the coasts of New South Wales and Victoria, where it can reach a height of 25 metres (82 feet). In our favourable climate, it does not exceed 8 metres (26 feet 2 inches) in height and 4 metres (13 feet 1 inches) in width when grown in the ground. When grown in containers, its dimensions will be much smaller. An adult specimen can withstand temperatures down to -5 °C, but its foliage is destroyed below -2 °C.

The Eucryphia moorei is a moderately fast-growing bush with an upright habit. Its foliage remains throughout the winter. The leaves are compound, consisting of large leaflets that are 5 to 13 oblong and narrow, each measuring 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) in length. The upper side is dark green, while the underside is lighter. The abundant flowering occurs in July-August and takes the form of small cup-shaped flowers measuring 3.5 cm (1.4 in) in diameter. They are composed of 4 broad white petals crowned with stamens with brown anthers. The flowers are formed in the axils of the leaves, either singly or in small groups, mainly towards the upper part of the plant. This flowering is highly attractive to pollinating insects. After pollination, winged seeds are formed in small capsules.

The Eucryphia moorei is cultivated in the ground in regions with mild winters and temperate summers, only in well-drained non-chalky soil. To accompany it, consider the Chilean Fire Tree (Embothrium coccineum), the Metrosideros Mistral, or the Grevillea robusta, for example, shrubs that thrive in similar conditions. If pruned annually, it can be grown in large pots or containers. In colder regions, it will be necessary to find a place to overwinter it, such as a conservatory.