Eucryphia lucida 'Ballerina'
(Leatherwood 'Ballerina')
Family - Cunoniaceae
Category - Shrub, tree
Origin - Discovered in Tasmania, Australia
Discovered By - Discovered by nurseryman Mr. K. Gillanders
Year of Introduction - 1986
Season of Interest - Summer
Hardiness - H4
Height - up to 8m
Width - up to 4m
Location - The Pond Garden
Description: A large Evergreen Shrub with an upright habit. Leathery dark green leaves are oblong to lanceolate in shape. Pretty saucer-shaped flowers are white to pale pink and have a darker pink band at the margins of each petal. Each Bloom has a red centre and a cluster of delicate red stamens. The flowers are held singly or in small clusters on the branches and are produced from early to midsummer. Eucryphia lucida 'Ballerina' will become a small tree if left unchecked, but can be kept as a large Shrub with pruning.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Pale pink and white, saucer-shaped flowers have darker pink margins. Each bloom has a red centre and delicate stamens. The flowers are held singly or in small clusters on the branches and are produced in June and July.
Flower colour: Pink, white
Flower shape: Saucer-shaped flowers held singly or in small clusters
Flowering time: June, July
Foliage:
Leathery dark green leaves are oblong to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are held in opposite pairs along the branches.
Foliage Senescence: Evergreen
Foliage Shape: Oblong to lanceolate
Propagation:
Cuttings.
Cultivation:
Best in a sheltered position in neutral to acidic soil that is moisture-retentive and well-drained. Ideal when placed in a sunny position with the base of the plant shaded to help retain moisture at the roots.