About

Tasmannia are dioecious which mean that the male and female reproductive parts are in separate plants; this is a male cultivar and produces small, perfumed white flowers with yellow anthers in spring. An aromatic evergreen shrub of upright habit, to 4m high, with green leaves variegated with splashes of creamy yellow. Young stems and twigs are reddish-purple. Bark and leaves are strongly cinnamon-scented.

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, 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 height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
FragranceFlower, Foliage, Stem

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 sown as soon as ripe, as seeds do not store well. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot