Pseudowintera colorata
pepper tree
An evergreen shrub to 1m tall, with elliptic leaves to 6cm long, yellowish-green blotched with dull red and margined dark purple-red above, glaucous beneath; greenish-yellow cup-shaped flowers 1cm across open in spring, followed by small red, later black, berries
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green Red Yellow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red Yellow | Black Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red Yellow | |||
| Winter | Green Red Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Winteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Pseudowintera are evergreen shrubs with leathery, elliptic or oblong leaves, glaucous beneath, and small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters in the leaf axils, followed by fleshy black fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, preferably neutral to acid, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Indoors or under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light or bright filtered light; water freely in the growing season and sparingly at all other times
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in autumn or spring. Root semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 8; may need restrictive pruning under glass
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.