Cunninghamia

( kun - ing - HAM - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called China Fir, this genus of evergreen trees needs full sun and moderate water. They are picturesque plants, with heavy trunks and tiered, whorled drooping branches clothed in dark green needles. Trees reach 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and foliage takes on red and bronze tones in cool winter temperatures. The general shape of these trees is handsome and conical. The genus name honors the British doctor who introduced these trees into cultivation in 1702 (Dr. James Cunningham) as well as the botanist Allan Cunningham. These trees are sometimes used as Christmas trees in the southern United States.

cunninghamia species and Varietals

The genus Cunninghamia includes one to two species and is a member of the Cypress family Cupressaceae. Cunninghamia trees grow well in zones 4-6 and 14-21. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Cunninghamia lanceolata
This species is the only living member of the genus, and has a few choice varieties that do well in residential landscapes.
'Glauca'
This variety has beautiful grey-blue foliage, and is more widely grown and hardier than the species.
'Little Leo'
Slowly grows to form a flattened mound of bright green needles, turning bronze-purple in wintertime.

Caring for and pruning cunninghamia lanceolata Trees

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 272, Cunninghamia lanceolata (China Fir)
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