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Tasmannia lanceolata

mountain pepper

A dense, evergreen, medium to large shrub of upright habit, possibly to 4m or more in height, with dark green leaves, paler below, copper-tinted when young. Young stems and twigs are reddish-purple. Bark and leaves are strongly cinnamon-scented. Flowers are dioecious and fragrant, borne in side and terminal clusters in spring, greenish-yellow with narrow twisting petals, which surround yellow anthers on the male flowers. Fruit a glossy, round black berry

Other common names
Australian pepper
pepper tree
see moreTasmanian pepper
Synonyms
Drimys lanceolata
Drimys aromatica
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green Yellow Bronze Green
Summer Red Green Black
Autumn Red Green
Winter Red Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Winteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Tasmannia is a genus of around 50 species of woody, evergreen shrubs or trees originating from Malesia and eastern Australia. It was previously included in Drimys

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Australia & Tasmania

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained, lime-free soils. Will tolerate clay soils. Successful in both sunny and shady positions but prefers semi-shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe, as viability is short. Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Responds well to pruning; best done in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Can be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot

Get involved

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