Eucryphia lucida 'Gilt Edge' (v)

Water

Leatherwood plants require even moisture, so it is key to water them consistently without oversaturating the soil. Generally, they should be watered once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. In winter, reduce watering to every other week as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Leatherwood plants thrive best in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. They should be placed where they get at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. However, in areas with very hot summers, it's best to offer afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Ideal placement would be an east or west-facing garden that receives gentle morning or evening sun.

Temperature

Leatherwoods are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they grow best in conditions between 50°F and 70°F. They can generally survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F but should be protected from harsh frosts. Leatherwood should ideally be grown in a location that doesn't frequently experience temperature extremes above 85°F or below 20°F to ensure sustained health and growth.

Pruning

Leatherwood benefits from pruning to maintain shape and promote more vigorous growth. Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done sparingly, as the plant does not require heavy cutting back. Depending on growth, pruning every other year or as needed to remove spent flowers and tidy up the shrub's appearance is generally enough.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Leatherwood 'Gilt Edge' thrives best in well-draining, moist soil with high organic matter. The ideal pH for this plant ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7). A mix of loam, peat, and sand could work well to provide the necessary drainage and nutrient content.

Repotting

Leatherwood 'Gilt Edge' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an outdoor shrub. When grown in containers, young plants might need repotting every 2-3 years to ensure they have enough room for root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Leatherwood 'Gilt Edge' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, reflecting its native habitat. It can tolerate lower indoor humidity but benefits from a higher humidity environment if possible.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Choose bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade or sun, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Eucryphia lucida 'Gilt Edge', commonly known as Leatherwood or Tasmanian Leatherwood, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination yields a small seedling. The seedling then goes through a juvenile vegetative growth stage, developing into a more substantial shrub with characteristic leaves edged in yellow ('Gilt Edge'). As the plant matures, it enters the adult vegetative stage, during which it develops the woody structure typical of shrubs and trees. Following this, the Leatherwood reaches the reproductive stage, producing fragrant white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, completing the cycle as these capsules release seeds for the next generation. Throughout its life, the Leatherwood experiences seasonal growth cycles, with active growth in the spring and summer and dormancy in the colder months.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Early Summer

• Eucryphia lucida 'Gilt Edge', commonly known as Leatherwood 'Gilt Edge', is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most effective when performed in the late summer. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, ensuring they are 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves. The bottom one-third of the cutting is stripped of leaves and dipped in a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. The treated cutting is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix. The pot is placed in a warm, humid environment, preferably under a misting system if available, to maintain moisture without waterlogging the cutting. Roots usually develop within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots and gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions.