Hi All, Had a mad impulse moment at the garden centre last week and bought a Drimys Lanceolata despite knowing NOTHING about it! I have since found out a little, that it is known as the Tasmanian Pepper Tree and it has lovely red colours on new foliage growth. But I can't seem to find much else - does any know anything more? Ideally whereabouts in my shrub borders I should be looking to place it? :confused: Thanks as always! Dave
Dave ---- never heard of it. The only way is to google at least 20 sites, then take an average. Duchy of Cornwall nursery says a warm sheltered spot in full sun. But it is also being sold by a Scottish nursery - so may be hardier than you think. Best of luck.
The only reason I've heard of this is because it's in my latest find from the library, 'Trees and Shrubs for Fragrance', Glyn Church, Garden Art Press. It is described there as a rare treasure which is difficult to establish in our hemisphere. A little shade and cool moist conditions are recommended! For it to flourish it needs perfect drainage that will keep it moist but never soggy. Also says it tends to suffer from root rot and recommends this powder or granules to apply to the soil to help protect against it: http://www.growell.co.uk/p/0972/Trichoderma_Powder_Tri_003.html Thought to be a member of the magnolia family. Good luck- sounds as if you might need it! :eek:
Info found on web search: Drimys lanceolata Common name: Mountain pepper Family: Winteraceae Known Hazards: None known Range: Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. Habitat: Moist places in mountain forests and also in alpine zones. lanceolata = lance shaped; ( sounds like a plant for your garden Paladin !) Habitats and Possible Locations Hedge, Woodland, Dappled Shade This species makes an excellent windbreak in woodland, it is widely grown as a hedge in mild temperate regions. Wood - soft, only moderate strength. Cultivation details Requires a light lime-free soil in semi-shade. Prefers a fertile moist but well-drained soil. A fairly hardy species, surviving very cold All parts of the plant are very aromatic and pungent
apparently there's one at Bodnant, so you're in good company! It's not all that far from you! Quote "Forty minutes from Plas Newydd, back on mainland Wales, is the celebrated Bodnant Garden, created by the Aberconway family. Near the house is a traditional garden similar to Plas Newydd, with vast herbaceous borders and tender shrubs sheltered by sturdy walls. Looking out onto Snowdon, a series of Mediterranean-style terraces falls away from the house. The closest are home to a rose collection and imposing evergreen trees, such as Arbutus x andrachnoides and Drimys lanceolata, which thrive in the mild climate." http://sub.which.net/gardening/reports/aug2002ga350t353/05bod.jsp is the source of this little nugget!
Wow - the collective brains of this site strike again! :D I thought it looked a bit unusual, and I only got it on impulse (from Stapley Water Gardens if anyone is after one!!) but it sounds like it may be happier in a large pot with good draining soil - my soil tends towards clay, so it may not be as happy! If anyone wants cuttings when it's a bit more established, give me shout! Thanks for all your replies! :D
http://www.karisgarden.com/index/indexdtof.htm#D I was looking around to find more about your mountain pepper, Dave i-h-g - and this sounds really nice - as well as being useful info on other plants. Well worth checking out, imo!
