The lantern tree, which comes from Chile, is a plant that is very unknown to us. Learn how to plant and care for it here.
The lantern tree can provide a particularly Mediterranean accent in the garden. Its advantage is often described as the fact that its shrub-like growth does not reach more than about 2 meters in height, which means that the lantern tree can easily thrive in a winter garden. One reason why the English made it their home on the island many years ago.
Lantern trees bloom from May to August
Even in early spring, the lantern tree greets the first rays of sunshine with bright red lantern blossoms that line up tightly together on the branches like lanterns. And this crimson bloom can really please you for a very long time if you plant such a lantern tree. It flowers from May to August! A very long time, which is why the Lantern Tree is really very special.
If you would like to have this eye-catcher in your garden, then you should follow the instructions below regarding planting and caring for the lantern tree.
Planting and caring for a lantern tree - That's how it's done
Plant Lantern Tree:
Lantern trees also thrive in semi-shade. Which is why they are among the easy-care plants. However, you should make sure that your lantern trees are not directly in the wind.
Other than that, you don't have to pay much attention when planting lantern trees. We only recommend the use of special rhododendron soil, which can be permanently implemented in a container planting - also when repotting (link tip: repotting plants in 8 steps).
Care for Lantern Tree:
» casting:
You must always water your lantern tree sufficiently because it needs a lot of moisture. Rainwater with a low lime content is particularly suitable for this.
» pruning:
Pruning is rarely necessary with this extremely slow-growing plant. If so, then this should only be done in autumn (after flowering).
» Fertilize:
The best way to fertilize the lantern tree is with rhododendron fertilizer. Three to four timesa year should be enough.
» Winter protection:
In general, the evergreen lantern trees are not particularly hardy and, like e.g. oleanders and trumpet trees, must be protected from frost in winter. Provide appropriate frost protection, but then you can also leave the perennial plant outdoors (hardy to around minus 10 degrees).
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