Cunninghamia - China Fir

(Cunningham'ia)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of just two fairly hardy, evergreen conifers, which somewhat resemble Araucaria, though their leaves are softer and lighter colored. These trees, commonly known as China Firs, are natives of China and Formosa. C. lanceolata is a small to medium-sized tree with lance-shaped leaves, 1 to 23/4 inches long, compactly whorled around the branches. The leaves are emerald- to blue-green above with two white bands beneath. They darken to bronze by autumn.

POTTING: China Firs do best if grown in a milder climate in a sheltered location. They will flourish in moist, but well-drained, loamy soil.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings can be made from erect shoots on plants that have been cut back. These can be inserted in a propagating frame in a greenhouse having a minimum temperature of 55º F, in the spring or summer. Seeds may also be sown in sandy soil in a greenhouse with the same temperature. The young plants should be planted in a nursery border when large enough and protected from cold during the first winter, or they may be kept in containers for a year or so.

VARIETIES: C. lanceolata; C. konishii.

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