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pseudowintera colorata pepper tree

Looking for a unique and striking native to add colour and texture to your New Zealand garden? The pseudowintera colorata pepper tree ticks all the boxes. Also known as ‘Horopito’ or New Zealand Pepper Tree, this shrub is renowned for its vibrant foliage and culinary uses. Whether you’re searching for a hardy ornamental feature or a natural way to spice up your home cooking, the pseudowintera colorata pepper tree offers something truly special. Discover its distinctive characteristics, uses, and the ways you can incorporate this iconic plant into your garden.

Pseudowintera colorata colourful foliage.

Pseudowintera colorata

5 from 3 customers

Pseudowintera colorata, commonly known as Mountain Horopito, is a NZ native shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth has dominant red tones and ages to become green-yellow with a red edge. Small, yellow-green flowers complement the foliage in spring and result in small, dark fruit. This evergreen typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 1.75 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock
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Tree Fertiliser

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Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant. The Plant Company's Tree (and Shrub) Fertiliser has been specifically blended to give 12-months of continuous nutrition and give the plants an initial boost with all right nutrients.

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Pseudowintera colorata

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Pseudowintera, Schinus, and Ulmus, or related Categories - Tree ties, General Garden Fertiliser, and Planter Bags.

Search pseudowintera colorata pepper tree

What Makes the Pseudowintera Colorata Pepper Tree Special?

Pseudowintera colorata pepper tree is prized for its eye-catching leaves, which display a mosaic of green, yellow, and red, especially as new growth emerges. This evergreen shrub typically reaches heights between 1 and 3 metres, making it well-suited for garden borders, mixed shrub beds, or as a standalone specimen. Its natural tolerance to New Zealand climates—thriving in both sun and shade with protection from frost—makes it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Horopito has long been valued by Māori as a medicinal plant. The leaves contain compounds with antibacterial and antifungal properties, and the peppery flavour is sought after as a natural spice. Chefs and cooks alike use the dried leaves to season seafood, meats, and vegetable dishes.

Growing and Caring for Horopito

To ensure your pseudowintera colorata pepper tree flourishes, plant in well-drained soil and keep mulch around the base to protect roots and maintain moisture. While hardy in most New Zealand environments, horopito appreciates shelter from harsh wind and direct frost. Water regularly during dry spells and prune lightly to encourage bushy growth.

If you’re keen to explore different varieties, consider adding Pseudowintera colorata 'Moulin Rouge', which features rich red foliage, or the classic Pseudowintera colorata for traditional appeal. Another option is Pseudowintera colorata 'Winter Fire', noted for its fiery winter colours. For an even bolder statement, Pseudowintera 'Red Leopard' offers dramatic spotting across deep green leaves.

Landscaping Uses and Companion Plants

The pseudowintera colorata pepper tree brings colourful interest to native-themed gardens, woodland borders, and contemporary landscapes. Its unusual foliage is a conversation starter and pairs beautifully with other native species and shade-loving woodland plants. Mix with ferns and grasses or plant alongside flowering shrubs for seasonal layers of colour.

For gardeners exploring pepper trees with a more traditional look, Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) might be a consideration. This drought-tolerant evergreen boasts feathery foliage and is used in larger spaces for shade or windbreaks.

Adding Value to Your Garden

Embracing the pseudowintera colorata pepper tree is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a nod to New Zealand’s natural history and an opportunity to experiment with native flavours. Growing horopito not only enhances your outdoor space but also supports biodiversity and can be used in bush tucker recipes. If you’re ready to add the pseudowintera colorata pepper tree or its various forms to your landscape, explore our range of plants and discover the possibilities for your garden today.

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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Lomandra 'Frosty Tops' and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Callistemon 'Little John', Prunus yedoensis, and Griselinia 'Gecko Green'.
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