Tasmannia lanceolata 'Suzette' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
mountain pepper 'Suzette'

Synonyms

Drimys lanceolata 'Suzette'

Shrubs

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. Tasmannia are dioecious which mean that the male and female reproductive parts are in separate plants; this is a male cultivar and produces small, fragrant white flowers with yellow anthers in spring.

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage Stem
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained, lime-free soils. Successful in both sunny and shady positions but prefers semi-shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, as seeds do not store well. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 8 (evergreens)

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot