About

An upright, evergreen shrub to 4m tall with leathery, dark green, aromatic leaves up to 8cm long held on deep red shoots. Small, aromatic, creamy-white spring flowers borne in clusters are followed on female plants by black, rounded fruits.

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, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFlower, Foliage

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in fertile, moist, well-drained, lime-free soils. Successful in both sunny and shady positions but prefers semi-shade
PruningPruning group 8 (evergreens)
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot