Drimys 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
Synonyms
Drimys lanceolataDrimys aromatica
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H4Botanical 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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