About
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. Flowers are dioecious and perfumed, borne in side and terminal clusters in spring, greenish-yellow with narrow twisting petals, which surround yellow anthers on the male flowers. Young stems and twigs are reddish-purple. Bark and leaves are strongly cinnamon-scented. Fruit a glossy, round black berry.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens
Native toAustralia & Tasmania
FragranceBark, Flower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in fertile, moist, well-drained, lime-free soils. Will tolerate clay soils. Successful in both sunny and shady positions but prefers semi-shade
PruningResponds well to pruning; best done in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe, as viability is short. Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceCan be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot