This sensational shrub is really wanting to grow into a 6m high tree, but even if I can’t keep on growing it in a pot I will have had good value out of it. Its common name is Chile lantern tree, but its official moniker is Crinodendron hookerianum. Though very exotic looking, it seems to be quite hardy, despite being evergreen and not shedding its leaves in winter. RHS gives it Hardiness 4. It may not survive a really hard winter, but I lined the pot with some wall insulation and kept it close to the house, and it sailed through last winter. Apparently you can pull a flower to pieces and suck out the nectar, but I haven’t tried it yet.

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