Drimys

Drimys

Drimys lanceolata ( Mountain Pepper )
A columnar-shaped, evergreen large shrub, reaching up to 15 x 10 ( rarely over 12 x 8 ) feet. It is native to Tasmania.
The oval leaves are up to 5 x 2 inches in size. The foliage is red at first, turning to bright green then to very glossy deep green. The leaves are borne on scarlet-red stems.
The very fragrant, yellow-green flowers are borne late winter into early spring.
They are followed by black berries.
The red twigs create stunning contrast with the foliage.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 in full sun to partial shade. It dislikes hot humid summers but thrives in mild maritime climates such as the Pacific Northwest and the British Isles.

* photo taken on Sep 18 2016 in Elkridge, MD

'Suzette'
Reaches up to 6 x 4 feet in 5 years, eventually to about the same size as the species.
The very attractive foliage is edged and splashed creamy-white. The foliage contrasts spectacularly with the deep red stems.
Hardy zones 7b to 9.

Drimys winteri ( Winter's Bark )
A medium-sized tree that is native to Chile and Argentina. Some records include: largest on record - 100 x 33 ( rarely over 40 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet; fastest growth rate - 3.5 feet. It is known to have reached as much as 69 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.3 feet in Ireland.
The smooth-edged, oblong leaves are up to 12 x 3 ( rarely over 8 ) inches in size. The aromatic, leathery foliage is glossy deep green above, bright bluish-white beneath.
The fragrant, creamy-white flowers, up to 1.5 inches wide, are borne up to 20 on an umbel during mid-spring into early summer.
They are followed by purplish-black berries.
The very aromatic bark is smooth and reddish-brown.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil on a site protected from excessive winds. It dislikes hot humid summers and thrives well only in maritime climates such as the Pacific Northwest and milder parts of the British Isles. It is propagated from seed sown in containers upon ripening during autumn then kept in a cool greenhouse or cold frame to protect from freezing during the first winter. It can also be propagated by taking half hardened cuttings during summer.

'Pewter Pillar'
Upright in habit, reaching up to 20 x 20 feet.
The glossy mid-green foliage is silvery-white beneath.
The white flowers are borne on clusters during late winter.
Hardy zones 7 to 10.

* photos taken on Aug 26 2016 in Elkridge, MD