Tasmanian Pepper: Cultivation and Care in the Ground or in Pots

Which varieties to choose?

Drimys aromatica

This is the type species, as found in nature. It forms a bushy shrub with glossy green leaves that are highly aromatic, and it produces small cream to acid green flowers in May-June. It is also known as Tasmannia lanceolata.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

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Drimys aromatica Red Spice

This variety is distinguished by its compact habit and darker foliage than the type species. The leaves are borne on red stems, creating a lovely contrast.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2 m

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Drimys winteri

Also known as Magellan Cinnamon, Drimys winteri is an aromatic shrub native to South America, which grows much taller at ripeness than Drimys aromatica. It is also distinguished by its larger white flowers.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 4,50 m

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When to plant?

The best time to plant Drimys is in spring, as soon as there is no longer a risk of frost. In a mild climate, planting can also take place in autumn.

Where and how to plant Tasmanian Pepper in the ground?

Drimys thrives in full sun or partial shade, in humus-bearing, cool soil that is not overly moist, and is rather acidic (it is sensitive to lime). It is particularly suited to the mild and humid climate of the Breton and Norman coasts, but it can also be grown in other regions, provided that winter temperatures do not drop below -8 / -10 °C. It is also advisable to plant it sheltered from strong winds.

It is ideal for creating a hedge: with its dense and evergreen foliage, it provides an effective screen all year round, but it can also be planted as a standalone or in the background of a perennial bed.

1. Start by placing the Drimys in a basin filled with water to rehydrate the root ball
2. Dig a large planting hole, two to three times the size of the root ball
3. Add some soil mixed with well-decomposed compost to the hole, and possibly add coarse sand to improve drainage
4. Remove the Drimys from its pot and place it in the centre of the planting hole
5. Fill in around it with soil, then lightly firm it down
6. Water generously
7. You may add a layer of mulch to keep the soil cool for longer

How to plant it in a pot?

1. Start by placing the root ball in a basin filled with water
2. While it rehydrates, take a large pot with drainage holes
3. Place a drainage layer at the bottom, made of clay balls, gravel, or broken pot shards
4. Then replace in the pot a mix of potting soil, well-decomposed compost, and coarse sand, up to about 1/3 of the height of the pot
5. Position the Drimys in the centre of the pot
6. Fill the pot with potting soil, then lightly compact it
7. Water generously
8. Then place the pot in sunlight or partial shade, in a sheltered spot from the wind

Start by placing a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot, then install the substrate, plant the Drimys, and water

How to care for it?

Once established, Drimys requires relatively little maintenance and is resistant to diseases and pests. It will need a bit more attention if grown in a pot rather than in the ground.

Watering

It is preferable to water Drimys with rainwater, as tap water may be too calcareous for it.

Be vigilant if you are growing it in a pot, as the substrate dries out much faster than in the ground. Provide water as soon as the top few centimetres of the substrate are dry, but be careful not to let water stagnate in the bottom of the pot. To give you an idea, in spring and summer, you can water once or twice a week; then reduce watering in autumn and winter.

Whether grown in a pot or in the ground, a layer of organic mulch (straw, RCW, dead leaves, etc.) placed on the surface of the substrate will help space out watering and keep the soil cool for longer. It will also limit the growth of weeds.

Pruning

We recommend performing light pruning in spring. This will help the bush maintain a beautiful, harmonious, and balanced shape while encouraging it to branch out. Using sharp, disinfected pruning shears, first remove any dead, damaged, or poorly positioned branches, and thin out the centre of the bush to allow air and light to penetrate. Also shorten the outer branches by making a clean cut just above a node (the point where leaves and stems attach to the branches).

Repotting

During the first few years, we recommend repotting Drimys every year or every two years, choosing a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one each time. This helps accommodate its growth and renew the substrate. In years when you do not repot, perform a top dressing: remove the top few centimetres of substrate and replace it with fresh potting soil.

Wintering

Drimys is hardy down to -8 / -10 °C. If you live in an area with severe and frequent frosts, it is best to grow Drimys in a pot and bring it indoors in autumn, taking it back outside in spring.