About
Pseudowintera colorata, the pepper tree, is an evergreen shrub to 1 m tall with elliptic leaves to 6 cm long � yellowish-green blotched with dull red and margined dark purple-red above, glaucous beneath. Greenish-yellow, cup-shaped flowers 1 cm across open in spring, followed by small, red and later black berries. A beautiful and ornamental shrub for a sheltered, partly shaded, frost-free garden.
About the genus
Pseudowintera are evergreen shrubs with leathery, elliptic or oblong leaves, glaucous beneath, and small, greenish-yellow flowers followed by fleshy, black fruits. Native to New Zealand, grown in sheltered, partly shaded, frost-free gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Patio and container plants
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningPruning group 8; may need restrictive pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in autumn or spring. Root semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free