Family: Winteraceae
Common Name: Pepper Bush

Grown for their attractive foliage, flowers and fruit, this Australian genus of six species of shrubs or small trees was previously classified under Drimys. The bright green leaves are borne on red stems and masses of greenish white flowers are followed by small, black berries. In cold climates, the foliage colours well in winter, remaining on the plant. It makes an attractive addition to floral arrangements.

Species

Few of these are likely to be available outside their native Australia.

T. insipida, pepper bush, is a neat shrub, to 5 m (16 ft). Creamy white, summer flowers are followed by purple fruits.

T. lanceolata, mountain pepper, occurs in mountain forests and in coastal Tasmania. It is a rounded shrub to 2 m (6 ft). The round, black fruits have red stems.

T. pur­purascens, a sub-alpine shrub, grows 2 m (6 ft) high. The round fruits are purplish black in colour.

T. stipitata is a rainforest shrub, growing to 4 m (13 ft). The flowers are white or cream and appear in early summer.

Cultivation

Best grown in well-drained, yet moist soil in a sheltered position, with full sun or partial shade. In frost-prone climates, grow in a cool greenhouse in pots of soil-based pot­ting compost. Propagate from semi-ripe cut­tings in late summer, with bottom heat.

Climate

Zone 9 or 10 for the species listed below.