Cunninghamia lanceolata 'Glauca'
(China Fir 'Glauca')
Family - Cupressaceae
Category - Conifer, tree
Year of Introduction - 1855
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Hardiness - H5
Height - 10m or more
Width - up to 6m
Location - The White Garden
Description: A small to medium-sized Evergreen, coniferous tree with a conical outline, though it may develop a domed head with maturity. The tree has a bushy habit with many whorled branches when young before a leader is produced. Long, needle-like, lanceolate leaves are blue-green (glaucous) and covered with an attractive silvery Bloom. The leaves have a twist at the base, pointed tips and a leathery texture. The leaves can reach to 7cm in length and may turn a deep bronze in autumn. Male and female flowers are produced separately at the tips of the branches in spring (monoecious). The male flowers are held in catkins and the female flowers are surrounded by Bracts. The female flowers will develop into clusters of small oval cones that are green initially but will mature to glossy brown.
Flower:
Male and female flowers are produced on the same plant (monoecious) at the tips of the branches in spring. Male flowers are held in catkins and the female flowers are surrounded by bracts. The female flowers will then develop into clusters of small oval cones. The cones are green initially but will become glossy brown with age.
Foliage:
Needle-like, lanceolate leaves are blue-green (glaucous) and covered in silvery Bloom. The leathery leaves have a twist at the base, pointed tips and can reach 7cm in length. The leaves are spirally arranged along the whorled branches and can take on a deep bronze hue in autumn.
Foliage Senescence: Evergreen
Foliage Shape: Lanceolate
Autumn Colour: Bronze
Propagation:
Cuttings.
Cultivation:
Best in a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade in moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained. Cunninghamia lanceolata 'Glauca' prefers a soil with a neutral to acidic pH.